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Modern Woman: What does that even mean
Modern Man: Elysia, let me explain. If I chase you and you like it, then I have to chase you consistently, intentionally, romantically, dramatically, and financially. If you do not like it, then I get labelled desperate, clingy, suspicious or suspiciously clingy. There is no middle ground
Modern Woman: That is not true. Women just want to feel valued
Modern Man: I value you. I just do not want to end up in a three hour conversation about how my text from yesterday had too little emotional punctuation. You know what men fear more than heartbreak today. Being asked Why did you type OK in small letters
Modern Woman: You are exaggerating
Modern Man: Am I Though look at the dating market. A man asks a woman out for coffee and suddenly he is on trial. Why coffee. Why not dinner. Why not a boat cruise. Why not a strategic five year relationship plan. Meanwhile all he wanted was caffeine and human conversation
Modern Woman: So what are you saying
Modern Man: I am saying the modern dating scene is a little dramatic. It is like auditioning for a movie where the director has not written the script yet and also blames you for not knowing your lines
Modern Woman: So you will not chase me
Modern Man: I will walk with you. I will talk with you. I will get to know you like a sensible adult. But chase you No. I am a man, not a marathon runner in emotional track and field
Modern Woman: You know you are ridiculous
Modern Man: I know. But I am honest. Besides I learned something important. In this generation, whoever is doing the chasing is already losing. And I do not want to lose before the relationship even starts
Modern Woman: So what now
Modern Man: Now we sit like civilized people. We talk. We laugh. And if we like each other, we move forward. No chasing, no hunting, no sprinting. The only thing I want to chase in life is a good opportunity and maybe a bus if I am running late
Modern Woman: You are unbelievable
Modern Man: Thank you. I will take that as a compliment. It is the closest thing to romance men get these days without signing a contract
Edward Astaire
11/2025