I was going to give this thread a pass because of my own history with relationships (something less than stellar)... that, and the fact that there will undoubtedly be some that don't like what I'm gonna say.
*deep breath*
I was Mr. Responsible from the moment I got out of high school. Worked hard. Had a girlfriend that eventually became a wife and maintained a monogamous relationship. Never really did the whole "sowing the wild oats" thing because I was too busy being a good employee, a good son, a good son-in-law, a good husband and all the rest.
The result? The marriage failed. I became estranged from my parents (long story, but it's all patched up now). Lost the job due to corporate restructuring.
When I look back on it now, all that "Joe Responsibility" stuff may have actually done me more harm than good.
If I could only change 1 thing about that history, it would be this: Take freedom by the short hairs and use it for all it's worth. Because once you're married, solid in a job (well, as solid as one can be nowadays), got a mortgage and all the rest, your freedom is G O N E. There are certainly benefits to the security of a monogamous relationship and a mortgage and whatnot, but you can enjoy those benefits when you're older. Enjoy your freedom now.
*dives into a trench, awaiting flaming* |