I Just Want Your Extra Time and Your K.I.S.S.

I had an interesting conversation with my 15-year-old son today. I was sharing with him why I haven't really dated much. I said I really hadn't had many who were worthy of my time, and more importantly worthy of being a part of his life. At that point he looked at me, smiled, and said, "I like _____" and winked at me. Yes, he actually winked at me! I had to laugh. Then I had to explain that _____ was a wonderful man and he would always be able to know him, but it wasn't likely there would be more to our relationship than friendship.

It made me feel a little silly trying to explain to him that somethings aren't as simple as checking the Yes, No, or Maybe box in the note passed to you in class. Wouldn't it be nice if we could simplify our adult relationships a little more? We add so many layers of baggage and expectation to our already busy, over-taxed lives. I will say, he is entering that over-complicated phase where there is drama upon drama upon drama. Teenage girls seem to find ways to elevate this to an art-form, and we only fine-tune it as we age. It's was really interesting to see how insufferable he finds this and to discover how irritating it is to me as well . . . and . . . that is when the lightbulb went on.

I can honestly admit I created my fair share, though I do believe I am one of the more low-maintenance types out there. (I did have one guy tell me once that I was the Sally kind of high-maintenance -- I think I'm low-maintenance, but really I'm high-maintenance. The thing is, we never even dated, so I don't really know why he said that.) I am particular and I have very high standards; but, really, if you've survived this long without a relationship, why settle for something just to fill the void?!

My point in all that is that I am at the place in life where I really want to re-simplify things. I titled this blog with a nod to a great song by a master lyricist, and an even bigger hint at an old saying. "K.I.S.S." - Keep It Simple, Stupid! (or Keep It Short and Simple). The funny thing is the lyrics of that Prince song kind of embody that principle and my mantra for relationships in my mid-life (crisis?):

Kiss U don’t have 2 be rich 2 be my girl U don’t have 2 be cool 2 rule my world Ain’t no particular sign I’m more compatible with I just want your extra time and your . . . kiss. Women not girls rule my world I said they rule my world Act your age, mama (not your shoe size) Not your shoe size Maybe we could do the twirl U don’t have 2 watch Dynasty 2 have an attitude U just leave it all up 2 me My love will be your food Yeah U don’t have 2 be rich 2 be my girl U don’t have 2 be cool 2 rule my world Ain’t no particular sign I’m more compatible with I just want your extra time and your . . . kiss.

If I can find a man who is genuinely as problem free as I want to be, it could be a match made in heaven, but I'm not holding my breath because the reality is it isn't just the women who fabricate the drama. Men get pretty good at it too.

To borrow the words of Prince, I just want your extra time (because I have crap to do too!) and your kiss (because it really is that simple).

And, so, I leave you with this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl6jq38K3-M&feature=related