"What the hell is the matter with you?" I thought to myself as I scanned the classifieds. "You're 42, own a successful business, have 2 beautiful kids, and you're taking a chance on throwing it all away!! You must be out of your damn mind, you moron!!"
Yes, I was married, and scanning the classified ads didn't seem the proper thing for a married man to do, I thought to myself. But, since I had gotten "The Word" from my wife some months ago, it just didn't seem to matter. After my most recent and unsuccessful attempt to make love with her, she turned to me and said,
"Look, Richard, she said, it's not that I don't love you anymore, but sex is just not a priority for me. We're both too old for that nonsense, and we have too many other things to do. If you want sex, you're just going to have to look elsewhere. Just don't do anything stupid". And with that, she rolled over and went to sleep. "Too old", she said. Sigh. I was 42.
It's not like I hadn't seen it coming, but I just chose to ignore it. We had been married for 15 years, and always got along ok, but all the spark was gone. We didn't have fights, or argue, but neither did we kiss, or hold hands, or do any of the things that make a relationship worthwhile. It was just... moribund. For the last 6 or 7 years, the sex was at best, incredibly boring, and at worst, (as was most often the case) non-existent. It had degenerated to the point where our lifestyle resembled a couple of roommates, more than that of a married couple. The kids were growing up, and were out more then they were home. All of these things were swirling around in my mind when I saw the ad:
Wanted: One intelligent, witty, professional, reasonably attractive, well-mannered and married man for "supplemental relationship" with married woman. I require you to be 35-45 years old, married and physically fit. Sense of humor a must, with extra points if you make me laugh. I am college educated, (advanced degree) employed in upper management of a large firm. I am financially and emotionally secure, and you must be too. To qualify for consideration, you must be able to identify the following things (without using a reference):
"All Things Considered"
Thomas Paine
Alpha Centauri
Dorothy Parker
Tritium
If these requirements sound stringent, it is because they are. I know what I want, and more importantly, what I don't want. I'm far too busy to spend time sorting through replies from morons, losers, alcoholics, and the "emotionally challenged". If you think you qualify, send an e-mail reply to Jennifer@xxxx. com
Good Luck.
I laughed right out loud as I read the ad. "Wow!! This is definitely a woman who knows what she wants!!" I thought, "and I like that in a person, especially a woman!! She reminds me of me!!" I said, still laughing. Then it also occurred to me that she might also be one of those women who goes from zero to bitch in 2. 1 seconds, and the "bitch switch" sticks in the on position!! Hmm... decisions, decisions. Then I mentally chastised myself. "Why is it that whenever a woman is the least bit assertive, men automatically classify her as a bitch? Stereotypes abound, I guess. Well, only one-way to find out. Maybe I'll send her a note. Let's see what she has to say about this", I thought, and I smiled to myself as I started to type.
"Hello Jennifer: Saw your ad, and though your requirements are quite specific, I'm more than qualified. But the question is, do you measure up to my standards, and are you interested in finding out?" I smiled and thought, "Take that, sweetheart!!"
"I'm 42, and quite fit, I swim a mile or more a day. I still have all my hair and teeth, neither of which was purchased from a store. I run my own consulting business, and have a MBA from Columbia. I'm married, and secure emotionally, financially etc. By the way, in reference to your little quiz...
National Public Radio afternoon news show.
Famous author, who, during the Revolutionary War, wrote the hugely successful pamphlet, entitled "Common Sense", which was a treatise in support of American independence.
Nearest star to our own galaxy.
Famous woman writer and satirist of the 20's and 30's. (She was the one who coined the phrase, "If all the girls who attended Yale were laid from end to end, I wouldn't be a bit surprised!"
A radioactive isotope of hydrogen, sometimes used in the production of nuclear weapons.
Checking to see if your applicants are well versed in several disciplines are we? Interesting strategy. It's clear from your ad that you're intelligent, witty and focused. But the question remains, do you think you're the ONLY person with those qualities? I'll be interested to see your reply. If you think you're up to meeting an equal, you may call me, or e-mail to Richard@xxxx. com.
The phone rang the next morning promptly at 9:30.
"Good Morning", I answered, Richard Callaghan speaking. "
" Good Morning Richard, a voice said, this is Jennifer... you answered my classified ad?"
"Well, this is a surprise, I replied, I was wondering if you would call. "
"How could I dare not to reply to a challenge like that?! You're a real wise guy, aren't you? She said. But I like that. Do you think you're up to all of this?"
"As are you, I'm sure. "
"Free for lunch?"
"I can be, who's buying?" I said, and I heard her chuckle a bit.
"How bout going "halfsies"? She said, still sounding amused.
"Bella Monte's at 12:30?"
"Deal. How will I know you?"