America's Dating Scene

The Gabrielle Reilly Weekly. ^ | 07/06/03 | Gabrielle Reilly

[Gabrielle Reilly]

Oprah What about The Great American Dating Scene?

It must be hard for both American men and women to find a partner after being sold a lifetime of "commercial dreams" of white weddings, fluffy feathered pillows etc. They grow up to expect a fairy tale that evolves around a self evolving superficial premise that only brings momentary happiness. The picture they had in their mind causes mental disharmony when it is not realistic as an adult, hence a grasping feeling transpires. I love American people and there are many things I have learnt from Americans. As I have learnt valuable information from Americans here are some thoughts Americans may enjoy pondering from my travels around the world.

Working hard for not only yourself but others (your partner etc) allows you less time to dwell on all the things in life that are wrong and actually achieve a sense of accomplishment so it has a double benefit. Getting back to nature and enjoying watching the sunset over the water, or singing with friends around a campfire are free and bring true contentment instead of that sick feeling many women seem to experience when they are almost shopping compulsively. Financial stress brings an uncomfortable feeling in the back of their mind so although the experience of shopping does bring some satisfaction it also brings stress. The smell of a new car wears off very quickly and one could be driving an older car again and not notice before long. I am not saying aspiring for nice things is bad, it is just recognizing that they are the icing on the cake and are good for fleeting joy. To expect happiness to be achieved when one gets the new car, or new dress, or next shopping adventure... is like watching a dog chase its tail, it may brush it but will never actually get it

[Gabrielle Reilly]

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[M. Peach]

Can I buy you a cup of coffee?

[M. Peach]

I'm wondering if your incredible insight on American culture is because you are observing it from a different perspective.

How true your words ring. I'm doing some research myself and I hope you won't mind if I quote you. Your comments about one being so materialistic at the expense of their own soul is so pervasive - that I often have to remind myself of the things that are truly valuable and lasting - such as enjoying quality time with family and friends.

Do you have a boyfriend? ;-)

[Gabrielle Reilly]

>>>>>How true your words ring. I'm doing some research myself and I hope you won't mind if I quote you. >>>>>>

Please do. It is important we are all reminded of what is truly valuable in life.

I am glad these ideals resonated with you. :)

[M. Peach]

One of the questions I often ask is: "Have you ever considered what the most important decision of your life will be?"

And I ask that to you - can you tell me?

[billybudd]

I found your article to be a bit rambling, more like a stream of thoughts than a coherent essay. Some editing wouldn't hurt in polishing the article (the acronym "LOL" seems inappropriate). What I got out of it was a general anti-materialism, anti-commercialism message infused with naturalist imagery. Your reference near the end to "global choices" was somewhat baffling. Perhaps you could explain.
I am ambivalent about your use of your excellent looks for political purposes, though I find it intriguing. In my opinion, it's a well-deserved insult to the overeager males posting here.

[Gabrielle Reilly]

Ping. LOL On a lighter note if that is possible on FR... :)

[Gabrielle Reilly]

I believe life is an accumulation of decisions that build towards where your life is today and what it will hold for the future. Being an optimist I don't believe in only "one" important decision since I have become an expert at turning lemons into lemonade.

And you?

[Gabrielle Reilly]

My intent is to attract a new market sector to become interested in global issues, politics, thought etc and as much as I love Senator Pat Roberts I am sure he would not attract quite the same crown I would. I believe the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expect different results hence I am trying a new "marketing" strategy. Maybe more people would be interested in politics if it was packaged a little differently.

We use different terminology in Australia and I do not want my writing to sound like all the other articles but to be raw and primitive which does reflect a part of me. It is a writing style that does differentiate me from other authors in America. Are you still reading? I am good at bs though. :) "LOL" is used since it is intended to be informal and that is the jargon on the web.

Oh, in the introductory paragraph I mention my thoughts are a collection from my world travels so it was a "tie up" on global issues.

Thanks for the constructive criticism. :)

[M. Peach]

Most people I've queried have never thought about asking themselves what is the most important decision they will ever make in their lifetime - and the answer nearly everyone will finally admit to after careful consideration, is who they choose to be their lifetime mate - or spouse.

I can't think of a more important single decision - and that's the main reason I was attracted to your article. I've discovered that most have never even contemplated this question much less prepare for it.

[honeygrl]

"They grow up to expect a fairy tale that evolves around a self evolving superficial premise that only brings momentary happiness. "

Hubby and I eloped and married in a little Alabama town courthouse. The whole story is romantic though but only cost $40 :)

[M. Peach]

Hey budd -

Are you talking about me?

Are you talking about me?

I liked the articles - (and the pictures too.) I took her comment about global choices to mean that there are several other meaningful ways practiced by other cultures that could enrich our lives (especially the poorer ones) then to be so caught up on materialistic pleasures so common here in America.

So there.

[Gabrielle Reilly]

I thought you would appreciate that. :)

How is your baby?

Did you get into ab crunchers?

Oh and what color is your hair? LOL

[M. Peach]

"In my opinion, it's a well-deserved insult to the overeager males posting here."

BTW - I resemble - er - resent that remark.

[TheSpottedOwl]

Thanks for the ping!

As somone who went through a bargain basement wedding, I can testify to the sheer idiocy of spending thousands and thousands of dollars on a show. I told the kids that since they've been engaged for two years and are totally committed to each other, get married at the courthouse, then renew your vows in Hawaii. This way my son in law gets a better tax rate and my girl gets insurance :)

Gabrielle, I've been trying to remember your exact screen name this evening. I've pinged all the ladies whose screen names I can remember to this post: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/941206/posts?page=43#43

Basically it's a "hold my bible and watch me self destruct" alert.

This guy just insulted all us women on this site. Poor sucker :)

[honeygrl]

"Most people I've queried have never thought about asking themselves what is the most important decision they will ever make in their lifetime - and the answer nearly everyone will finally admit to after careful consideration, is who they choose to be their lifetime mate - or spouse. "

My mother in law told me that your spouse should be put above all other family (she was telling me why her son should put me above her and his dad) because that is the only relative you get to choose so you have no excuse not to love them more than anyone else. In the same conversation she gave me the best compliment I've ever recieved. She told me she loves me because she knows I love her son so much and that she never liked his ex-wife because she knew she didn't love him. She said it was very obvious though that I really do love him as much as she herself does and that he made a great choice when he chose me. She told me that about a year after we married before we even had kids. She's made it obvious that her respect for me has grown since we had kids because I make sure to bring them 4 hours to visit their gramma and grandpa every chance I get. I think I won the jackpot when it comes to great in-laws along with a great hubby.

[honeygrl]

"How is your baby? "

She's great and has her second tooth poking through finally after weeks of a runny nose that precedes a new tooth. She's annoying the hell out of her big brother though because she keep stealing his toys.

"Did you get into ab crunchers? "

I haven't been able to afford one of the ball things yet, plus I sprained a muscle in my neck so I can't exercise until it heals :(

"Oh and what color is your hair? LOL"

hah, it's a nice respectable red now that I think I'm going to stick with.

[JoeSixPack1]

Excellent insight Gabrielle.

But nothin' beats a good argument, except maybe makin' up!

<|:-)~~

[Gabrielle Reilly]

Hey glad to hear your daughters wedding went well btw. :)

Just stopped by that other thread. LOL