Head Games

Who was the person that determined the rules for communication between the sexes in America's modern society. There is no such thing as a simple, meaningless conversation between a guy and a girl. There always ends up being an underlying message or a hint hidden under the facade we build in our relationships. I'm not just talking about two people who are interested in each other and want to date, I'm talking about two people who just want to be friends. There is no such thing as a simple relationship.

I must have missed the training course on cross-gender interaction in middle school. No one told me that you can't call someone the day after you get their number. I was unaware of the fact that having a cup of coffee with someone could, and will be considered a date. I had no idea I should buy dinner if I ask a friend to eat with me who happens to be of the female persuasion. No one told me that expressing my true feeling is taboo while in pursuit of the opposite sex. I never received the instruction manual outlining these methods for communication.

Why all the games? Wouldn't our lives be so much easier if we just said what we meant? Instead, people phrase their opinion in the most arbitrary wording and hope the other person can crack the secret code. A friend of mine gave me an encoded message tonight, which I'm still trying to figure out. While we are both reading, I notice that her eyes have slipped off of the page and are now locked on me. Is she day dreaming? Staring? Begging me to ask her what's up? I look up from my book and she acts lost in thought. The crap thickens when she comes to and asks me for relationship advice. "I've been dating this boy this summer, but I don't really like him. Blah Blah Blah. What should I do?" I answered, "If you want advice on how to break up with a boy, you're asking the wrong man."

Why in the world did she have to tell me that? I didn't know she was dating someone and I really didn't care. What help could I possibly offer in that situation? Here's some, tell him you don't want to date anymore. Oh wait, that is too easy and a clear violation of Rule 1: Never clearly state how you feel. Does this mean she was sending me a message? Does she want to date me? Does she want me to go away? Does she really want to know how I think the situation should be handled? I'm lost in the enigma.

Anyway, while I try to figure out this puzzle I want everyone to know that this man is putting his foot down. From now on I play no games. I will say what I mean and act according to my own gut feelings. I may be cast out of the modern dating realm for breaking the rules, but at least everyone will know how I feel about it.