as much as i desire a sexual relationship with a partner, i desire intimacy and romance so much more. Holding my hand in public, and looking at me and smiling when i speak. standing behind me with your hands around my waist, and bending down to tie my shoe when it comes unlaced. holding me when i’m scared. reciprocating my joy and excitement about something, no matter how little it may seem.
Everyone felt sad for the penguin walking alone and the monkey rejected by his mother. But this video is far more heartbreaking, yet it didn’t receive the same attention.
a friend of mine asked a woman out after talking with her for weeks. she smiled and said... no, i’m not really interested like that, sorry. ten years ago, he might have tried again, i mean the literal sending of flowers, planning something thoughtful or making bigger efforts, that used to be called romance.
instead he just nodded and said... no worries and he never asked again. months later she told a mutual friend she was surprised he gave up so quickly, but here’s the quiet shift most people haven’t noticed: a lot of men aren’t less interested anymore, they’re just more cautious.
for years men were told persistence was charming but today the same behavior can be interpreted as pressure or disrespect, so the new rule became simple: ask once, accept the answer and move on.
not because they stopped caring but because the safest place to invest effort is where the enthusiasm is already mutual.