“But with your literary prowess, I’m curious for further descriptors.”*
Here’s an oldie, but a goodie. Kind of like the author.
*****
I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t seeking something. Aren’t we all?
Maybe the ad would look something like this:
Female professional, 35, seeks partner(s) for fun and perhaps a little frolic. Note the “(s)”. If this bothers you, please don’t bother reading the rest. The “(s)” does not signify threesome (sorry, fellas) or polygamy (sorry, Mormons). It means that I am not actively (nor frantically) seeking an exclusive engagement. However, like most things in life…everything is negotiable.
Wait, did I say that everything is negotiable? I misspoke.
In the interest of full disclosure, here are some important things that you should know:
(1) Although I will fight to the death to ensure that everyone has the right to it, I have no personal interest in the institution of marriage, and I do not measure my self worth by its presence or absence in my life. If marriage is your only goal, move along.
(2) At the tender age of 35, I recognize that I am reaching the far side of my years as a child-producing entity. However, I feel no particular urge to have children, and will not view my life as a woman a failure if I never reproduce. If your only plan is to impregnate me in the next five years in order to ensure your legacy, please look elsewhere.
(3) I may have the random urge to kiss you passionately while walking down the street. I rarely suppress these urges, especially in the evenings when a light snow is falling. Or in the summer after a pitcher of margaritas on a patio. If you can’t handle being kissed in public, you should find another woman.
(4) I enjoy a glass of red wine after a long day at work. I like to take my shoes off, wiggle my toes, and feel the explosion of a big California zinfandel on my tongue. I hate drinking alone, and quite frankly, I view the dislike of red wine as a kind of character flaw. As a side note, please don’t hold back if you feel the need to massage my aching feet. If you cannot appreciate red wine, you and your bottle of Pinot Grigio should go home.
(5) The chances are good that I earn more money than you. This doesn’t bother me, but it bothers some people. If it hurts your ego when I pick up the cheque, I’m not interested. Alternatively, if you always expect me to pick up the cheque, don’t count on hearing from me again.
(6) I endeavour in all instances to be reasonable and not make excessive or outrageous demands on the people I care about, and I understand that time is a precious commodity. I’m busy, you’re busy, everyone is busy, all the time. However, I do expect the same courtesy from lovers as I do from colleagues, friends and family – return my calls, reply to my emails, and show up on time. If you cannot reciprocate the courtesy and respect that I show you, or don’t understand why it’s important, you definitely should not have wasted your time reading this list. And you need to grow up and stop being such a narcissist.
(7) Sometimes my best endeavours fail. Occasionally, I have passive-aggressive tendencies (thanks, Mom!), and I may argue with you over the most unimportant of issues (thanks, law school!). I may hold a grudge, or pout like a child. Sometimes wit devolves into sarcasm. But I promise that I will always apologize, and I will never stop trying to correct these faults. If you cannot forgive my carelessness from time to time (as I will with you), it would be best if you walked away now.
(8) As for frolic**, it will be prolonged, playful and passionate. Time of day is not important. Locations are not limited. However, I do have a preference for long, slow and tender over frantic and punishing – with the recognition that sometimes urgent fumbling can lead to the sweetest of pleasures. If this sounds in any way distasteful to you, apply elsewhere.
Unfortunately, as stated explicitly up front, I cannot guarantee exclusivity, or length of commitment. But if you enjoy the finer things in life and want to share some time with a more thoughtful companion, for a drink, for a meal, for a weekend in bed, for a week in London, or maybe even for a lifetime – perhaps this offer merits more serious consideration.***
*****
* For a further explanation, please see yesterday’s post.
** When originally published, I took some ribbing over the use of the word “frolic”. But I kinda like it.
*** Offer not valid for married men, politicians, restauranteurs, blonds under the age of 30, Bay Street lawyers, men who take pictures of their genitals with their Blackberries, regulars of the Spice Route and anyone who lives within a 50 mile radius of the White House.
At the tender age of 35 the word “oldie” does not apply to you. Leave now, child, and return when you’re 85.
That’s actually last year’s figure. How about 36?
Ahhh, I remember this post fondly. Reading it then was just one of the many moments in which I’ve thought, “Good God, I adore this lady!”
Still an awesome post. And still the same sentiments upon rereading it.
Awww, you’re making me blush. Did I mention that I’ve started yoga…again?
If you haven’t done so already, you should copy and paste this immediately into an online dating profile and blog about what follows.
What follows couldn’t possibly be any more weird than what goes on now.
I remember this one, too! And I remember loving it. Also, for what it’s worth, I like the use of frolic. It’s playful…just how it should be.
Thanks, lady. If I recall correctly, I was told that it evoked the notion of singing and skipping through fields of wildflowers. I think that’s only the case because we don’t think we use the word “frolic” enough.
Loved it the first time, love it now…hope to see more writing from you soon ~ J
Thanks!
Such a good post. I was on a trip and met a 60-something couple who met on e-harmony. Cute, but I still refuse to drink the Kool-Aid. Everything you write makes me happy.