The Dating Scene
A Series of 16 Vignettes
By Dr. Lovegood
The dating scene... This usually brings up images of beautiful women, smooth-talking men, waiting for a call,
wondering if the other person feels the way you do, heights of passion and the agonies of breaking up. For most people,
the dating scene is not an end in itself; rather it is a means to finding a long-term relationship.
Different people approach dating very differently. Some view it as a game they intend to win. They decide the goals
and determine how to achieve them. Artisans are the most likely to see dating this way. Life is a game, and dating is an
especially fun one. They tend to live in the moment and appreciate the here-and-now of their relationships.
Others view dating as a way to find a partner in life, someone who will work with them to carry out life's tasks including
work, children, and caring for parents. Guardians are the most likely to have this view of dating. Finding a partner is serious
business. While they can enjoy the process, the goal is never too far out of their minds.
Still others see dating as a means to get to know the opposite sex to find out if a particular person is "the one." Idealists are
the most likely to see dating this way. They are the most likely to believe one Mr/s. Right. They hope to find someone with whom they
can bare their most intimate secrets and who will respond in kind.
A final group of people often finds dating to be artificial and annoying, sometimes even difficult to navigate. Rationals
are the most likely to have this view of dating. Some Rationals do enjoy the dating process, but more are likely to feel
incompetent, a feeling especially abhorrent to Rationals.
This series looks at the sixteen different types in the dating scene. Each article will highlight one of the sixteen
types to give an example of the different kinds of problems each type can have in dating. Each type can have many different fairly
common problems as well as a whole host of not-as-common ones. These articles are not meant in any way to give all of the problems,
just one or two for each type.
Parts 1-4: Guardians
Guardians tend to take the dating game very seriously. They tend to be looking for a helpmate, someone who will help them in the serious
business of life. Sometimes Guardians become so exact in their requirements than no living person could actually possibly live up to
their expectations.
Parts 5-8: Artisans
For Artisans, life is a game. The dating game is no exception. It provides many opportunities for fun and enjoyment.
Since Artisans are generally very adaptable, they can enjoy many different kinds of people in their search for a playmate.
Some Artisans like variety so much that they never settle down.
Parts 9-12: Idealists
Idealists hope to find a soulmate through the dating game. Because of their ability to see good in others, they can have a
tendency to see more than is really there. That can lead them into or cause them to stay in harmful relationships. Idealists are
often attracted to causes which can help them find dates but can also alienate them from otherwise great potential dates.
Parts 13-16: Rationals
While some Rationals enjoy the dating game, many are indifferent at best and some find it something to be avoided. What
most Rationals hope to find is a mindmate, someone who can follow their intricate thinking and who has depths in their own thinking.
Although some Rationals are antisocial and don't seem to need others, most Rationals actively look for partners just like the other
temperaments.
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