Bagage Space?

The amazing thing about on line dating, is the opportunity to review, preview or 'discuss' potential 'issues' prior to even meeting or better yet, choosing to meet or choosing to hit the delete button. One of my favorites is 'baggage' and yes, this is exactly how it is referred to on line.

First of all, if you are 50 years old and do NOT have some 'baggage', where exactly have you been? At this point in life, we all have some kids, parents, bad bosses, good bosses, a great career, a disappointing career, illness, success, failure and joy. If you've been a monk and are dating for the first time after leaving the monastery, I'm really pretty sure, that I do not want to date you, yet. Get some more 'baggage', then we'll see.

The request by both men AND women is often seen as "please no baggage". What are these selfish egotist thinking? My theory is that these type of people are so busy with the mess that is their own life, they don't have any room or empathy for anyone else's life. If you still can not get through a meal with out crying about the mess your ex made of 'your' life, or the fact that your mom always liked your brother better or that your life would have been perfect, if your child had just been able to win American Idol, perhaps you should be spending more time with a therapist, and less time on-line.

However, for the rest of us, the issue is not whether you have 'baggage', but rather how it is packed. When venturing out in life, do you have multiple large bags, latches broken, clothes sticking out of the sides, continually dropping a trail of undergarments where ever you go, bumping into people and unable to focus on the joy, energy and excitement of the trip? Or does 'it' all fit in colorful, matching totes? Neatly packed, room for a beautiful gown or hiking boots, bottle of wine or camera, ready for the adventures of living and the opportunity to share what has become your life?

'Baggage'.... bring it on...