Disclaimer: Before I begin, let me say that I am in no way condemning marriage. In fact, I believe it's a valuable institution that's critical to the fabric of civilization, and it can be amazing for certain people. Monogamy should never be discouraged if someone wants to pursue that path. I'm also not promoting polygamy here.
I'm simply speaking from personal preference, though I reserve the right to change my mind if the exact perfect person comes along and sweeps me off my feet. ;)
This will be a brief Take because it's simply explained: This isn't about wanting to sleep with a bunch of women. I'm not some frat guy who never grew up (actually, I was never in a fraternity and I didn't even have sex in college). Some of the most rewarding relationships I've had with females have been virtually sexless, you know. Nor is this about taking advantage of women; i.e., hanging around long enough to get what I want out of the relationship and then ditching them. Rather, it's about wanting a variety of different, rewarding experiences in my life.
Think of it this way-- They always say that meeting new people is one of the prime pleasures in human existence. We learn so much more about ourselves and life in general. We become connected to people in completely new and different ways. One year, I might date an adventurous, throw-caution-to-the-wind woman who enjoys rock climbing and taking off on impromptu road trips with no exact destination in mind. The next year, I'll go out with a true homebody, someone who loves reading, cuddling up on snowy days, doing some gardening, and having a penchant for home cooking.
I'm not saying I go out with someone new every year, or there's some set amount of time I'm with someone. It could be only a few weeks or it could even be several years. When the relationship has run its course, it's over. And for the record, there are no grudges with this approach of mine; no heartbreak, no longstanding bad feelings, no throwing of vases and breaking of furniture. In fact, most times, the breakup is mutual; we sort of shrug and go our separate ways.
I suppose you could interpret this as being cold, dispassionate, impersonal. But it's not that at all. We form very strong attachments sometimes, which is why most all of these women remain a part of my life in one way or another. We stay in touch, sometimes talking and seeing each other, especially if a certain activity appeals to both of us. As such, I've built this remarkable Rolodex of sorts, consisting of friends and acquaintances who have only added value and diversity to my life. And I promise you they'd say precisely the same thing.
This life doesn't last anywhere near as long as you think (yeah, I'm talking to all you teens and young adults who still suffer from invincibility syndrome, even if you're unaware of it). Why not explore, discover, experience? Why not share the journey with multiple like-minded individuals? Hell, they don't even have to be "like-minded;" I've had some really eye-opening experiences with women who I disagreed with more than half the time. I've learned, felt, and grown. And frankly, I see nothing wrong with that. Just like I see nothing wrong with two people wanting to spend the rest of their lives together.
Perspective is everything. :D
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