The Social Ladder

I was brought to an interesting enlightenment yesterday by my dear brother. In life and relationships girls have two ladders. There is the friendship ladder and the dating ladder. Once on the friendship ladder you may attempt to move to the dating ladder, but sadly you must jump. In the small chance you don't fall into the abyss between ladders you may land on the dating ladder, but you will be many rungs below your original friendship status. When you have made the dating ladder, you may never return to your full status on the friendship ladder. Most times, you may not return to the friendship ladder at all. Boys however, only have one ladder. The dating ladder. The only way you make it on is if there is a remote possibility something in the "dating"category exists, even if it is only physical attractiveness. If there is no possibility of attraction -- you may as well not exist.

In my life I have realized this to be true. Here in Happy Valley however it is taken to the extreme. Everyone I meet of the opposite gender thinks, "Could this be my future spouse?" If it is not true, you MAY NOT be friends. You cannot associate in a friendly manner. Acquaintance is allowed only if forced. If in a relationship, you are shunned, for you are no longer available. The conversation goes -- what's your major? what year are you? are you dating anyone? -- and then with a simple yes the crest-fallen look appears and another more important task comes to their mind while they leave you in the dust. What friends can you have? none. Even friends of the same gender ignore you, for you can no longer relate to their lives of dating. Stories cannot be shared. You no longer date. There are few allowances to these rules. Too bad for you.