Paying for the extra baggage

This has nothing to do with the airline industry and everything to do with us. Us as people, as adults, as the next generation.

In prior generations (our parents) would date a few people before finding and settling down with that one person. Did they take the risk of missing out or perhaps something greater? Yes, I'm sure many did. For all they knew, there was no one better out there. They found someone who fit 7 or 8 outta 10 traits they were looking for, everyone approved, and wa-lah. However, a lot has changed from our parents generation and the numbers don't lie.

Since 1970 the percentage of married people has decreased from 71.7% of adults (18 yrs or older) to 60.3%. In the same time, the divorce rate has tripled from 3.2% to 9.5%.

Judging off the data, everyone is seemingly more picky about settling down and finding that one person. This is a great thing, since no one should really "settle for less", however it also leads to one problem in return. Less marriage, means more dating, and more dating equals jumping from relationship to relationship.

This effects everyone we know like a disease being spread. With each relationship one is involved in, they acquire and leave with more baggage like a cheap game show parting gift. Whether you end it or you get left, the baggage builds. Every relationship has some effect and leaves its scars.

I'm sure you're thinking right now, "I don't have any issues, I've gotten over every relationship I've been in". I'm here to say you're wrong. You probably see it in all your friends, but you need to realize they see it in you as well. They all question the actions of other male and females, due to an experience they had with prior exs. Unfortunately, you never truly find out about the baggage someone else has, until you're months or years into the relationship.

What's makes matters worse, is the people's penchant to jump from relationship to relationship like in a game of Frogger. Sure it seems easy at first, but as you advance (in age and experience) it'll only get more difficult.

I guess what I'm trying to get at is, you may think by passing up that person who fits 7 out of the 10 traits you're looking for may be a good thing, but in the end you're just increasing your own difficulty level. The baggage will weigh you down, and jumping out of the way of that speeding car labeled loneliness, won't be so easy. Maybe we should all start thinking about what type of baggage we're looking for in a person.

Personally? I'd prefer the Halliburton type of woman. You know they've been through a lot and yet still can be thrown around.


Editor's Note: Just kidding, I'd never advocate that type of violence.