The American Way of Romance

funnybird

The following exchange took place on a Craigslist New York message board on Sunday, October 14, 2007:

A Desperate Single Woman’s Question:

“What am I doing wrong? I’m tired of beating around the bush. I’m a beautiful (spectacularly beautiful) 25-year-old girl. I’m articulate and classy. I’m not from New York.

I’m looking to get married to a guy who makes at least half a million a year.

I know how that sounds, but keep in mind that a million a year is middle class in New York City, so I don’t think I’m over-reaching at all. Are there any guys who make 500K or more on this board? Any wives? Could you send me some tips? I dated a businessman who made around 200-250K. But that’s where I seem to hit a roadblock. $250,000 won’t get me to Central Park West. I know a woman in my yoga class who was married to an investment banker, and lives in Tribeca. She’s not as pretty as I am, nor is she a great genius. So what is she doing right?

Here are my questions, specifically:

* Where do you single rich men hang out? Give me specifics – bars, restaurants, gyms.
* What are you looking for in a mate?
* Is there an age range I should be targeting?
* Why are some of the women living lavish lifestyles on the Upper East Side so plain? What’s the story there?
* Lawyers, investment bankers, doctors. How much do these guys really make? And where do the hedge fund guys hang out?
* How do you rich guys decide on marriage vs just a girlfriend? I am looking for MARRIAGE ONLY.”

An Investment Banker’s Response:

“I qualify as a guy who fits your bill – I make more than $500K per year. Here’s how I see it: Your office is a plain and simple crappy business deal. What you suggest is a simple trade: you bring your looks to the party and I bring my money. Fine, simple.

But here’s the rub, your looks will fade and my money will likely continue into perpetuity – in fact, it is very likely that my income will increase, but it is an absolute certainty that you won’t be getting any more beautiful!

So, in economic terms, you are a depreciating asset.

In Wall Street terms, we’d call you a trading position – not a buy and hold. It doesn’t make good business sense to ‘buy you’ (which is what you’re asking) – so I’d rather lease. The deal that makes sense for me is dating, not marriage.”

[ 本帖最后由 funnybird 于 21-12-2010 11:21 编辑 ]

马二小

love the story and thank you for sharing。。
楼主换头像了啊。。。muscle bird不见了。。。

funnybird

The story is the latest chain mail circling around in the office. As for the photo change, "muscle bird" is over-rated and Maori Bird has a more classy look...