People out there are in a panic and out of this abject fear they are clinging to each other like petrified rhesus monkeys. This recession is bonding us to one another in deep ways, turning us all in to frontierspeople, dependant on each other to make it through the harsh winter. Whereas before this collapse, moving in together was solely predicated on love and compatibility, nowadays it very well could simply be out of financial necessity. The thing is though, out of this necessity may come an interesting by-product.
As a result of our recent financial inter-connectedness, we are now forced to examine our relationships in closer detail and really figure out what we mean to each other - nothing brings people closer together than a state of emergency.
Panic is like a seasoning, it enhances one’s perceptions. Let’s say a couple has been toddling along together for a couple of years, but only now really require each other’s support. Perhaps one has lost a job, or the other’s hours have been cut - well then you’re seriously going to start understanding what you mean to one another. When faced with emergency, it’s impossible not to confront the reality of how you feel for each other. In other words…
…the time for ‘toddling’ is now over.
Do you stay together or bail out? Do you cut the dead weight loose? Do you realize how much you’ve meant to each other all along? Do you realize, you don’t love this person, know this person – WANT this person?
This current situation not only affects established relationships - it’s not merely about the ‘rent’ - it also becomes a major factor when meeting new people. With less money available for entertainment purposes, we will now have to start relying upon our actual personalities, and become more creative in coming up with date ideas that don’t cost a bundle.
Coffee and Danish anyone?
I guess, in a way one could see this as an opportunity. We have a unique chance here to truly take a look at ourselves and the ones we love. Only trouble is, we're not always going to like what we find…
