Well, Mike, I have to say, honestly, that I don't agree. I don't think marriage is as bad as you seem to think. I do agree, entirely, that most people, men and women both, make a big mess of marriage. Particularly these days. But if you can find someone whom you not only love, but in whom you have confidence, then marriage can be a good thing.

Obviously I'm talking from personal experience. My mother was the source of all my serious problems. It was clear from my upbringing that women were dangerous things. Couldn't trust 'em. Ever. Like Lucy, Charlie Brown and the football. They smelled nice. Felt nice. Were entirely stimulating to be around. But permanence? No way.

Then, by chance (it's always by chance), I met a girl at a party and the following week asked her out on a date. Then on another date. Et cetera. And while I wasn't thinking about it, two months later I KNEW, somehow I just knew, not only that I loved her, but that this woman could never hurt me, could never do anything to cause me pain. I didn't know why that was so. I didn't know how that was so. I still don't today. But we've been married for 42 years and she NEVER HAS caused me pain. Not once. Fights? Yeah. Arguments? Yeah. Pain? Never.

Don't be too quick to make up your mind. People are very, very different one from another. Even women. You never can tell. Nope. Uh-uh. There's one out there that will make you happy for a long time. Really. No kidding. Your heart will tell you. Not just that you love her. No. This is a different message. Your heart will tell you if she'll ever hurt you. That's the important part. Take care!