They say romance is dead. Never is a statement more true than in this day & age.

My girlfriend and I were just discussing this very point when she remembered a conversation she had the other week with a young, Greek gentleman at a new Philly hotspot.  He's 25 and at the height of his life, yet he felt inclined to go back to Med School...not to necessarily pursue another educational degree per say but, rather, as he so finely put it: "There just is no need anymore to grow up." The economy sucks. His mommy still takes care of his every need. And, sadly, the "girls" out there are willing to put up with his bullsh*t.

Truth!

I'm at the point where I've been wondering if I've set my own bar too high. But then I realized quickly that I don't have high standards, just standards. What's wrong with that? Where are the days of courtship and romance? Why is it wrong to expect flowers and decent meals on a few real dates? Since when is it acceptable to think a drink out should lead straight to the bedroom?

My girlfriend and I discuss the notion of low-hanging fruit; so many desperate girls out there who long for a man, any man, just for the sake of claiming a prize. They'll put out, and put up, with anyone.

And therein lies at least my problem: I'm not one of them. At 38 and divorced, I want more, know I deserve more, and don't need a "seat filler" to make me feel safe and secure. I want a man who's looking for the same, who knows he deserves the same. It's about mutual respect & trust, values and so much more.

When we set our values low, then that's what the outcome becomes. It's frustrating, to say the least. But why should we ever settle for less than we deserve?

The beauty of this life is in not knowing what lies ahead. It's timing, patience, curiosity and wonderment. I'll take my chances on the waiting game...the lowest fruit has been touched by everyone and anyone and if it's that easy, it's certainly not good enough for me; I, for one, have standards!

"If she's amazing, she won't be easy. If she's easy, she won't be amazing. If she's worth it, you won't give up. If you give up, you're not worthy." -Unknown