In my usual flip manner, Papa thought he’d give advance advice on dating by saying, “It’s every man for themselves.”* The phrase has been floating around in my mind for some time. It harkens back to what an erstwhile young attorney thought at a crucial time. I was waiting to use it on an appropriate topic. There was no rush of course. I assumed you’d be as shy and slow as I had been when approaching dating. ( Side Note: Recent news indicate that 80% of boys age 15-18 in Japan have not had a first kiss. Even slower than Papa? ) I am guilty of viewing you as so very young. In the twilight of life it is easy to forget how one felt at age 16. On reflection I was more responsible/mature than seemingly given credit for by adults yet with lots of too big for britches swagger.
So, where do you start on the dating game? Through the lens of age Papa has already come up short. It’s too lete. You rascals have already had your first dates. Homecoming, dances and resturants. I wrongly assumed LEGOs still had your full attention. With school and some sports thrown in I had you pegged at age 12? Age 13 at most. Where did the years go? It seems like it took forever to get from the fifth grade to the sixth for me. You speeded up the process. But, there you are; seasoned daters.
Do I close this post as moot or do I have any advice? Two words come to mind. Respect and consent. Also, keep in mind to smile, be polite, pay attention to date, don’t eat as if at a trough, keep language clean and be yourself. Then share having all your fun with your date. Good luck; it’s every man for himself. Or.**
- (In the halls of the courthouse a young attorney exited divorce court with his client. Relief was in the air. A proverbial meaner than a junk yard dog husband had not attended the divorce hearing. However, the seething, fire breathing hubby was simply running late. He exited an elevator and was fast approaching. He did not care about legal niceties but was looking for angry confrontation. Whether the words were actually spoken or imagined, the young lawyer’s instinct was along the lines of it’s every man for himself. That’s the story he related after the fact when thankfully no damage occurred. Papa learned another appropriate saying after spending a few days with the youngest grandson; **”Run, run as fast as you can.” )