Relationships - Part 2

This is part 2 of the huge post on relationships. (See the 'Relationships' post of 9/23/04 for an explanation.)

I think the hardest thing humans try to accomplish is being monogamous. I've never been truly convinced of the theory that monogamy is the 'way we were meant to live'. Maybe monogamy is contrary to true human nature. Perhaps we weren't meant to be with just one person. Almost anyone who claims they are completely satisfied with a single love interest all their lives isn't very honest. (Pay attention, I said ALMOST anyone.) If that were true, the percentage of committed people dabbling in the world of infidelity wouldn't be skyrocketing. According to estimates I've found via Internet searching, at least 50% of married men and 35 to 40% of women have had or are contemplating affairs. (This number is the people that respond honestly to polls.) The rate of women stepping out is rising briskly comparing the rate from a 1994 study that put the number at 17 to 20%. The divorce rate is about 50%, depending on where you get your stats.

We start out with so many plans. Such high hopes. I don't think people intend to be rotten to each other, but it sure happens a lot. Then, suddenly, the most special person you've ever met has become the most hated person you've ever known. That’s a sad state of affairs. (Pardon the pun.) A relationship can go from something amazing to something unbearable, real quick. If people were capable of being very honest and communicating very well, I think a lot of grief could be avoided. Being unafraid to talk about anything and everything is an amazing accomplishment. But I believe it is rare.

Let's face it; rarely do two people grow in the same direction. Especially people that get together young. The younger a couple is, generally speaking, the more chance of growing in different directions. Then the relationship becomes a hindrance to personal growth, and conflict arises. I personally feel like any relationship, good or bad, is a hindrance to the core individual in some way. How the pair deal with the inherent restrictions is a key to their future.

To be continued.....