What do I need "HIM" for

As I creep up the hill o' age I am constantly reminded that I am "still" single at the ripe but not rotten age of 29 3/4. To the more mature women in my family who were probably married and had birthed 3 children by the time they were my age the only thing that stops them from assuming I am a lesbian, next to my great taste in shoes is the fact that I have a son which is proof enough for them that I like boys. Funny enough the fact that I am still single seriously unnerves them and they make it a point mention the finger closest to my pinky on my left hand is "still" bare every time they get the chance which in turn unnerves me.

Throughout history, marriage was essential to men and women because there was a definite need or dependency. Men needed women to have their children and women needed men to feed said off springs. But as our species has evolved the male/female dependency rate has dropped.

With women becoming more independent and men becoming less dependable, I find myself asking the new age question of, What do I need him for? A couple a weeks ago a friend and I were chopping it up and the more we talked about the subject the more I realized I don't. I don't need him. Now I am not speaking for all women, some of ya'll need a man(or 3rd Party Consultant as I like to call them). You couldn't keep your sh*t together if you had adhesive and a KKY zipper to hold it together. But for the woman who works a 40-65 hour work week, takes care of kiddo, cooks and cleans, and maintains her household and finances what does she need said spouse around for if she can juggle all the balls on her own. Is it necessary to throw his balls into the mix as well? In your average more traditional relationship the brunt of the non-financial family and household responsibilities falls on the woman. With today's' woman being less dependent on a man as her mother was for monetary stability the financial responsibility tends be just as much hers as it is his. And from my observation being married means the occupation of my time by another entity other than myself. Outside of the traditional forms of sexual fulfillment and procreation, there really isn't anything we "need" men for anymore.

I totally believe in outsourcing. There are gardeners, mechanics, handy men and the brother or uncle who will sit with you during the long drawn out car buying negotiation process. Plus, outsourcing tends to be cheaper. You don't have to carry as much insurance or overhead and there is way less risk and involvement for the one doing the outsourcing.

With that said, when you weigh the amount of sacrifice, time and compromise it takes to have a lasting relationship (that does not offer any sort of guarantee) that will endure the test of time is it really worth it for the sake of having him around. I am not promoting fornication, but wouldn't it be equally as easy for Ms. Independent to hold down all she has and be committed to hooking with Larry Late Night for a few hours a week who doesn't mind having to creep out before the sun rises if sex is a must. A relationship that takes minimal effort and whatever time you are willing to commit without the messiness of emotions and obligations. Or what about a visit to the local Zone d' Erotica (conveniently located at North Dallas and Park) to pick up a rabbit and a super pack of batteries on your next trip to Costco(conveniently located at North Dallas and Plano Parkway).

Love is a fickle emotion says my friends Kira and and often causes spells of temporary blindness and insanity. So far all you readers who are sitting there saying to yourself she is crazy and just hasn't found love don't be fooled. Love is the one thing I believe that jades and confuses people and creates so much confusion. I have already written a novel so I will stop here, but I want to know what your thoughts are. Please, share.


j