ideas for the new year

while taking a nap today i was reminded of a discussion i had earlier this week about men and women in relationships.

it seems that men are supposedly linear in the ways of love and affection, and that women are circular.....ergo the conflict. men are "goal-oriented" and women are content to repeat the same sweet actions again and again (i.e. holding hands, cuddling) without thought of progression.

well. i think that might be true in physical matters, but it is not in emotional ones. in fact, i believe it is the exact opposite in that case. men are fine with pushing the physical envelope, while content to never increase emotional surrender or dedication. women hope for acceptance, safety, and the promise of love and adoration.

in Romeo & Juliet, romeo remarks to juliet, "would you leave me so unsatisfied?" in response Juliet is appalled, believing that Romeo is taking liberties, when ACTUALLY! he is asking for her hand in marriage. (my my, what a concept).

i'd like to know where those men are? i always hoped that they would exist in the nice Christian circles. men not just interested in what they can get from women, in sating their own desires, men of character with respect for women and their hearts.

alas, the dating practices in Christian circles are no better than their secular counterparts. and so we engage in the same dysfunction carrying cynicism, bitterness and disappointment.

what is the solution?

and where did my hope in chivalry and honor go? i feel like a lost it, bit by bit, as i've witnessed things fall apart.