The "...." Year Itch - Philosophy/Questioning


The “….” Year Itch
Nadia Murtaza


We have all been there, whether we choose to admit it or not. Not in the simplistically explored way that we’ve seen in Marilyn Monroes’ “The Seven Year Itch”; but it does begin to scratch the surface. Most of us; if not all - just want to scratch, or thoughtlessly go ahead and itch like a street dog with fleas.

We’ve all heard the argument about how humans are not monogamous creatures. But what makes any species monogamous? Why can’t we all just be penguins? My consensus is a little different. We choose what we want to be; and we can switch back and forth depending on the situation. It’s far too easy to blame biology (or more popularly: alcohol).

If we view things from the beginning – or maybe that telling point when two people become exclusive to each other, we couldn’t possibly imagine wanting to be with someone else: why would you ever put what you have in such jeopardy?!
Two things : boredom and the constant quest for something (or in this case someone) better.  A change. A little excitement. As a result, two things can happen: you realize you are happier in another situation, or , immense regret.
Can you ever go back? No, to be honest; no matter how hard you try – nothing will ever be the same; and mentally knowing you have gotten away with something, or  have been forgiven will just give you the freedom to scratch again – whether you really want to or not.

And then there are those of us that just can’t scratch. There are those who refrain and just put up with the desire to succumb to the itch.  How righteous and honorable. But…are these people any better? Mentally battling with yourself to keep from temptation; continuously having somebody else on your mind; fantasizing about other situations, other lovers, other lives. Unsatisfied, but loyal to your partner.

Which is worse – to scratch or not to. Do the damage and walk away or leave a rash to fester? Ultimately; does a truly monogamous situation exist (mentally and physically)? In my opinion; it differs from men to women.

An unfair generalization which I will use as a discussion point is that men are attracted to beauty and women to mentality. If this is truly the case – this is to say that all men desire a more “beautiful” version of their partner as they get older – so mental monogamy is already long gone. Furthermore, that there are no shallow women who do not physically desire their partners.  Beauty and brains are subjective to each person – and despite the whole tone of this piece of writing; I do actually believe; that there is such a thing as “true love” and monogamy out there.

My question is; which itch is worse to you. The kind that is addressed or the kind that just continues to go on indefinitely? Do you believe no matter how you’ve treated other situations in your life that 100% monogamy exists? Or is it in our human formula to allow our minds to wander?

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