Homes as Sex Symbols

The recent article, “Home as Sex Symbol” by Rhonda Bright (March 4) was probably representative of a major segment of our city’s singles scene, but I still have hope that there are some women out there who look for emotional bonding first.

My own experience of being “interviewed” on first dates as to economic status, financial goals and career plans really turns me off.

There probably aren’t statistics available, but I can bet the potential increase in household appreciation is quickly wiped out when the costs for the inherent stress of owning a home beyond one’s means, or at least on the edge, are taken into consideration--especially after the divorce!

If statistics were available, I think you’d find the costs for psychological counseling between spouses marrying for security without a true emotional bonding, costs for health clubs to relieve stress, the funds needed for eating out and the stress of scheduling “quality time” for sex, weekend getaways and child care far outweigh the benefits of home ownership.

It’s unfortunate that our quest for mating includes a house. It is fortunate for the doctors, analysts, lawyers and lenders. But I take the position, perhaps idealistically, that there are still those who marry for friendship, intimacy and compassion. They can cement a lasting foundation for a relationship; that’s more than I can say for our homes when a big quake or recession might hit.

GARY SCHWARTZ

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