Dating is Dated (or should be)

Much like kindergarten  
prepares children for childhood  
the 1950s model of dating  
prepared young men and women for their adult roles.  
 
In the old days  
the man was the provider  
so he paid on dates.  
The woman took great care with her appearance,  
a crucial part of her role.  
 
Sometimes the man ordered for the woman in restaurants  
without even consulting her.  
 
I wouldn't have survived.  
 
"The lady will have the salmon"  
"Eww! I will not. I HATE fish!"  
That would have been my last date with Larry or Fred  
as they gravitated toward Cindy or Donna  
with their pointy ice cream cone breasts in tight sweaters  
and well-conditioned demeanors  
submissive enough to have appreciated "a real man"  
 
At this point in time  
in a world gone mad  
why can't dating just be organic?  
 
Casual conversation,  
not interviews  
No agendas or expectations  
 
If there is any connection at all  
meet three times  
in different settings  
Having fun?  
Keep going.  
 
Talk about sex beforehand  
And don't have it  
until you can laugh easily together  
 
The lady will have whatever she damn wants.  
and so will the gentleman  
a.k.a the woman and the man  
 
or the woman and the woman  
or the man and the man  
 
Let kindred souls find each other  
in a world gone mad  
and be happy however they damn choose.