I wish I could skip the dating phase and go straight to the part where we do housework together. I realize this is an unusual romantic pitch. It lacks a certain sparkle. There is, however, a decent chance the house gets cleaned.
When I imagine a relationship I’d actually enjoy, I picture the comfortable version: two people in their 50s taking a walk in the park, coming home, putting on a movie, and relaxing. Nobody needs an elaborate itinerary. Spending time together is already the plan.
I know comfort isn’t exclusive to people in their 50s. That’s simply the picture that comes to mind when I think about what I want. It makes my brain feel older than the rest of me, as though it has already completed the exciting portion of the brochure and would like to sit down.
The parties and traveling don’t appeal to me the way they seem to appeal to other people. Even the early relationship stage, which is apparently supposed to be a major attraction, feels like something I’d have to get through to reach the part I’m interested in.
I want the ordinary familiarity of sharing a day. Some chores, some fresh air, then a movie. We could have a thoroughly uneventful time and both consider it a success.
Of course, that’s the difficulty: I want the ease of already knowing someone while wishing I could skip the getting-to-know-them portion. I understand the scheduling problem. I’d still like to put in a request to start at the park.
