uncommondenominator wrote:
So! Any other thoughts on the topic at hand?
I believe once upon a time you and I used to be on the same page with our general approach and I recall I have been quite supportive of your posts historically. Interesting how things have changed.
Its also interesting this thread is in love and dating, but I think the OP is effectively saying that spontaneous decisions on whether somebody is a potential intimate partner is not appropriate and that people should
become friends first and learn about each other over time so that each person can find out if they can take the next step and
a. move in together
b. joint bank accounts
c. get married
d. have kids
the dilemma according to the OP is
how long does one take before they know this person "is the one" and that they are "right for you".
But Cyberdad's approach is that the process is actually the same whether you are seeking a friend or intimate partner. And here's where it get's even more interesting. My definition of a "friend" is very flexible. Probably more flexible than most "muggles". I give people a chance at the beginning. Even if they are contacts by association (in the same space as a larger "group" F2F or happen to regularly cross paths in shops or in virtual space (like WP) then I have no issue being "friendly" with anyone in those spaces. What changes is the degree of closeness.
In a friendship group there might be a group of people (lets say 5 males and 5 females). the level of closeness will vary between individuals in the group. For example the females might gravitate with each other to do shopping for clothes. the males might get together for playing football or video games. But everyone is in each other's space and there is no issue about personal space because we are all part of the group.
.
I haven't said any of these things. Can you point out where you think I said them?