What I find interesting is that women are
going after a 'compatible' relationship,
not a passionate one.

"When I saw Bob Smith I nearly had palpitations,
he was gorgeous, bright, capable, and had that
light in his eyes. So I didn't hire him. I
chose Dora Flops instead."

Hearing something like that is like...uh huh,
you are really going out of your way to not
even have a temptation....

"I broke up with George because I found myself
thinking about him, wondering where he was, and
totally botched a presentation. Who needs that?"

"I've got five crazy active kids. I don't need
a sixth. Howie is a good provider. That's all
I want. A guy who comes home, doesn't beat me,
brings cash, and is easy to please."

"I found myself sitting by the phone when Sam
was late, expecting to get the bad news, and
after the second time I thought, it's not worth
it, so I filed for divorce. I married Frank and
trust me, I don't know if/when he comes in and
I don't care. I sleep like a baby. Not a worry
in the world."

This kind of 'opting out' of an emotional
relationship is prevalent.

The fact that there are women going for these types of practical relationships is not surprising. Really, it is only modern custom that states marriage partners should be passionate and in love. Love matches grew out of the expansion of female rights. Suddenly women have more opportunities and therefore more time to find someone they love. But think of the thousands of years that marriages were arranged because it was socially or monetarily helpful to both parties. A marriage of convenience .

This type of marriage is not very exciting, but it can work because it has for so long, and if you don't want to deal with the heart ache, why not? Very practical, if not very stimulating.

You have perfectly defined it.

All these centuries of 'arranged' marriages
or marriages of convenience, obviously were
a sociological response to the chaos caused
by a passionate love match in which the other
person takes priority over everything and
everyone.

The 'retreat' of many vibrant women to the
status quo ante by choice does tend to
suggest that on a practical and protective
basis, they are probably the future.