My wife and I started going out 20 years ago, and this morning I remembered advice she gave me when we were meeting each others’ folks, or maybe after the first awkward encounter. "You want to channel three people. Thomas Jefferson, Margaret Mead and Eddy Haskell." She explained, "Thomas Jefferson because he was diplomatic and made others feel good about themselves. Margaret Mead because she was deeply interested in other cultures. And Eddy Haskell because he was a primo suckup. ‘Mrs Cleaver, that dress is so flattering on you.’"
I didn’t do so well at it. I feel like I botched all three parts. Still it worked; I got married, still am, and I pass it along as a bit of wisdom for all who go a courting in these modern times.
