Texting to Sexting, Is it a healthy relationship builder?

Chatting with my best friend over the phone about each others new love interests a few weeks ago, she told me that the only form of communication between her and the guy is through texting and that they never talk on the phone. When I heard this, alarms started going off in my head. I asked why texting was their only form of communication, but she just couldn't give me a definitive reason that didn't ring my alarms even louder.

I then went on to tell her that I didn't think it was a good idea to let texting be their only means of communicating because it seems suspicious. I don't consider men who only text me as potential Boyfriends, because I can do so many different things while texting. I could be on a date. I could be hanging out at another guy's house. Besides, I like to know I have their undivided attention when starting a conversation and hearing their voices and their surroundings go a long way for my peace of mind. I then told her that if she really likes this young man she needs to stop texting him and get him on the phone. And I let it go.

But this past sunday, I was over a friend house when her roomate and a make friend that she was letting wash at their place walked in. During friendly chatting, I decided to ask the guy about it. I asked why is texting their only means of communicating. The guy said what I thought but was too afraid to say to my friend. He said they probably only text because one of them is not that interested, most likely the guy. Because if the guy was that interested, he would want to talk.

That got me thinking about all the guys who have tried to pursue in the past. I have to admit that with us being in college and often with different cell phone providers, texting through the day was the cheapest because its free, and waiting until our night/weekend minutes kicked in to talk, but we did talk on the phone. Even the guy who holds my current interest talks to me on the phone more than we text. It was odd because we ended up talking for hours during the day for about a week when he wasn't scheduled for work as much, and it surprised me but pleased me a lot. I even asked him if we were using up all his minutes because we were averaging about five hours each day of daytime minutes. When he told me he added me to his circle because enjoyed talking to me too much, you wouldn't believe how pleased I was. But once again not everyone has that luxury.

Maybe I am old fashion, but I think texting is impersonal. However texting can give a sense of false intimacy, so I steer clear of texting my way to relationships. But what about you? Do you think texting or IM can build strong healthy relationships? How many relationships have you had where texting was your main way of communication when you weren't around that person?

The Disappearing Act

Talking to my friend last night about relationships, we ended up talking about the disappearing acts that some men pull. Everyone knows how it starts. You meet a guy, you talk to the guy, you start dating the guy, you talk to the guy constantly, you feel as if you are on the train and the next stop is committed bliss. Then out of no where without any warning the guy disappears. You call, he doesn't answer and you try to wait patiently for as return call, but then a full day goes by and still no call. You guess that maybe today was a particularly busy day for him so you're worried about the none communication, but not panicked yet. But then another 24 hours has gone by and still nothing. Now the jitters have settled in and your mind starts playing back the last conversation, the last encounter, trying to think of every possible reason for this disappearing act.

When he finally does call back, whenever it is he offers you some lame excuse about why he has been out of touch. I have seen some girl take the bait, and I have even once or twice before. Now if we let a person know how interested we are in them and what their disappearance makes us think, why do we continue to let it happen? Are we just so desperate that we will take whatever treatment they give us.

Even recently for me, there was a guy I liked but he did a disappearing act that lasted for a whole month. When he finally got back to me, the excuse he gave was phone troubles and then he had to deal with family issues. I don't want to be the one to say people aren't allowed to handle their problems and grief in their own way. Even I have in the past receded from the society of others when problems started to clutter my life, but being in a growing relationship it seemed like the train that had departed for love has been derailed.

So how does one find the energy to try to start again? should you just let it go or give them a second chance?

Possible end to my job Search

Well, I have been searching diligently for a job. (isn't everyone?). And I have just been offered a job with a marketing company. Of course I am going to take it. Beggars can't be choosers. But it may turn out to be exactly what I need. Still being in college and all, I needed a job that I can work around my school schedule without having to sacrifice study time. And this job, seems to be the cushion I need. So I am going to take this chance and run with it and see where it leads me. Hopefully I can do great with it.

Do you ever wonder if you are making a sound decision when it seems like there are no other options? I kind of feel like this now. But I am going to walk on faith. and see where is goes.

Pgymalion's Statue

I am Shapeless,

a lump of doh. Clay.

Willing participant to your passion.

Your hands,

beautifully created,

creating imaginatively

deceptively,

ME.

New,

Exquisitely lovely,

Untried,

Inexperienced,

but waiting to be filled with knowledge.

Unkowingly made to pleasure through enduring pain.

The sweet pain of unfulfillment.

Slave to the passion of creation,

Yet never creating.

Written 12/4/2003

Clay

I am like clay

Mold me into someone more like me,

Vixen

One smile

And I am reminded of the softness of your lips,

the promise of the sweetness in your mouth.

One laugh

And I am lifted to a plane of music beyond sound,

Your voice,

A song,

Deep,

that makes me tremble

all

the

way

down.

Your words,

a melody far sweeter than anything known to me.

One glance,

And the heat is so intense that I must look away.

For I am molten lava,

Burning,

Hard,

Bright,

but I fear the inferno that is...me

Overwhelming me

But there is a wall so big and thick

that now begins to crumble.

And the flood,

the rushing nectar of life covers me,

the flame is extinguished

and I find the ecstasy of

Release.

written 12/03/2003

Too SUPER to date

After being stood up again, I was venting to one of my male friends that I keep getting stood up, so it must be a sign that I am not supposed to be dating. He says no. So I ask him what does he think. He then goes on to say, Hypothetically of course, "let's say I am single, We meet at an apple store, We hit it off, We date. One of your qualities, that is out of balance with me and maybe others, is you're too super." I paused because I was waiting for an adjective to follow. Something that would give me more insight into why I seem to be so un-date-able.

When he doesn't continue, I ask "Super What?" and in one phrase he gives me more to think about then I ever thought about myself when dating. He replies, "Super Woman." At this point, I am rolling on the floor laughing. Did he really just call me "Super Woman," me, when I feel like I am underachieving and sleeping on my potential. Needless to say I needed him to expound on his statement. He says quite clearly, "They can't figure out what to do with you." Of course, at this point I am thinking, "What to do with me? I've got an idea. If I'm so great, why not date me?"

So, I ask my friend, "I am un-date-able because I am super woman?" He goes on to say that in order for him to explain in a way that I can understand he will have to appeal to my ego. Of course I feel a little hurt that he just called me conceited, but I wait for him to say something edifying. He goes on to say that its really all to do with my "super" ness. He says I do a lot of activities, I am a social person, a baby socialite, and that it makes most men insecure. I go on to tell him that actually, I am shy. But he remains adamant that I am a socialite. He says that I get along with all people. Men and women. He says I do a lot of other stuff that he can't remember, but it kicks a$$ and I can keep up with men.

At this point, I can't help but think that most men are lazy when it comes to women. If I am too super to date and intimidating, why don't they get on my level? Why should I feel like I have to condescend in order to get a man? Or pretend, that I am someone I am not? Men don't want to be in competition with their women, or feel emasculated by them, but instead of looking for a woman that is beneath them, why don't they raise the standard for themselves? And another thing, if I am intimidating to guys who I feel are good men, and possibly my equal, then something isn't adding up. Either I am a much better catch then I figure, or I need to raise my standard for the men I get interested in. Well, I personally feel, men need to "Man UP"!

What about you dolls out there, are you too "super" to date? And if so, do you feel like you are lowering your standard so you can be more attainable and not be lonely? For those women who have career goals and reaching for them, do you feel like you're trading marital bliss, to do something meaningful, something that you think you were made to do? Why does it have to be a choice with women, either the love of a man, or a career you love? Why not both?

Spider and the Fly

Growing up my mom had a told us to be wary of flattery. She often told us that men would use flattery to get us to give them something we wouldn't normally divulge. And my mom loves to give stories, or anecdotes to better illustrate what she was trying to say, so it came as no surprise when my mother started to read the poem "The Spider and the Fly," by Mary Howitts. At the tender age of 10, I liked the prose better then the story. But the older I got and the more I dated, the more relevance the story began to have to my life.

There were a few men, that I wouldn't have given a second glance, much less a chance, but they knew how to flatter a person. Of course I would be swayed by their flattery to a certain extent, but my mom didn't raise a fool and being able to talk to her about anything has kept me from a lot of mess. And whenever I would start dating a guy, that she knew I really didn't have an interest in, she would calmly say, "Don't be the little Fly." When she would say this, I would automatically began to examine my reasoning for giving this particular male a chance. And when I would arrive to the conclusion, that it was only due to their flattery of me that allowed them a chance, I would of course back away. I am not weary of flattery, I just know there is a difference between genuine flattery and false praise. More often than not, false praise falls easily and freely from one's lips and is usually a means to an end.

Now I know there are some women who fall prey to the flattery of men. Let the man get too close and then wind up getting hurt. Since it seems that not many young ladies know this tale. I have found it and posted it. I hope you all enjoy it.

The Spider and the Fly
Mary Howitt

Will you walk into my parlour?" said the Spider to the Fly,
'Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;
The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
And I've a many curious things to shew when you are there."
Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again."


"I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high;
Will you rest upon my little bed?" said the Spider to the Fly.
"There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin,
And if you like to rest awhile, I'll snugly tuck you in!"
Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "for I've often heard it said,
They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!"


Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, " Dear friend what can I do,
To prove the warm affection I 've always felt for you?
I have within my pantry, good store of all that's nice;
I'm sure you're very welcome -- will you please to take a slice?"
"Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "kind Sir, that cannot be,
I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!"


"Sweet creature!" said the Spider, "you're witty and you're wise,
How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!
I've a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf,
If you'll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself."
"I thank you, gentle sir," she said, "for what you 're pleased to say,
And bidding you good morning now, I'll call another day."


The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again:
So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly,
And set his table ready, to dine upon the Fly.
Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing,
"Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing;
Your robes are green and purple -- there's a crest upon your head;
Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!"

Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little Fly,
Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by;
With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew,
Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue --
Thinking only of her crested head -- poor foolish thing! At last,
Up jumped the cunning Spider, and fiercely held her fast.
He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den,
Within his little parlour -- but she ne'er came out again!


And now dear little children, who may this story read,
To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed:
Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.

The Spider and the Fly
Mary Howitt