My friend called me this morning to discuss whether or not she should end a relationship with the charming guy she's been dating who "doesn't know what he wants" (i.e., not interested in the whole marriage and kids package). I started to wonder about this conversation and how many times it has taken place in American society in the past thirty years...a kajillion?

Seeing as I have failed to connect with the Nuclear Family concept (or even the Nucular one) at this point, I've been doing some research and am reading a book called "Marriage, A History." The author, Stephanie Coontz, offers, among other things, some historical alternatives to the modern concept of marriage and family. My favorite is a Chinese society called the Na, wherein the primary relationships were with parents and siblings. Women rarely married but had "visitors" at night and when they got pregnant the siblings and extended family helped raise the child.

No need for any uncomfortable "Where are we going?" conversations, and dealing with all that hemming and hawing. Sounds like a good fit to me. Where do I sign up?

Like I mentioned before, I would consider embracing a Biological Clock Panic, but I just don't have the energy right now (too much Salsa).

Just for today, I can research alternatives to the Nuclear Family.