SMH...

Sometimes ignorance just irks the crap outta me - typically because I'm tired and have no patience with people when I get that way.  I avoid calling people stupid - situations are stupid, but I believe people make a choice as to whether they wish to be educated or remain ignorant.  (No, I do not include those individuals who are MRDD in this tirade).

In this instance, the ignorance stems from the human desire to 'possess' beauty.  Whether it be beautiful inanimate objects, beautiful creatures, plants or people - we humans think because we want, we should have; and when we get, no one else should be allowed to partake of the beauty we've 'acquired'.

SCENARIO:  A couple standing off to the side at an airport gate having a heated discussion because the woman smiled at a gentleman who paid her a compliment and the man in the relationship overheard the compliment and saw her smile.  Mind you, I'm sitting about 6' from them in the boarding area, working, but can't avoid (as none of the rest of the passengers in the area can either) hearing the conversation because their voices aren't exactly whispers.  Man says: "Do you know that guy?  Your smile sure looked like you know him!"  Woman says: "You can't be serious?!  I don't know that guy at all!  How would I know him??!!  We're a 1,000 miles from home??!!"  Man says: "How do I know that?  You travel for work, the two of you could've met up before!  Why would a complete stranger tell you he thinks you have beautiful hair and a gorgeous smile?!"  Woman says: "This is ridiculous!  You mean to tell me you've never paid a woman a compliment and had her smile back at you and thank you for saying it?"  Man says: "Heck no!  Not since we've become serious; I don't look at other women!"  Woman looks at him incredulously, shakes her head, picks up her purse and walks away.  Man says: "Come back here!  I'm not done talking to you yet!"  Woman turns around, looks at him and says: "I think I've heard enough talking out of you", then walks into the woman's restroom.  Guess, what?  They didn't get on the flight.  Makes you wonder if they went their separate ways.

Talk about ignorance.  Seriously, two people who, when they first met, obviously attracted to each other by the physical attributes of each other first (it's just human nature), then by other traits/attributes second, they are all encompassed in impressing the other with how kind, considerate, thoughtful and accepting of each other's individuality.

Then, once the blush of first lust wears off, and the relationship becomes a reality, the mindset of the new couple begins to slowly change and finally ends up as a viewpoint that each other is 'theirs', instead of the 'you', and 'me', that it started out as in the beginning in order for it to become a 'we' as a couple.

Then comes jealousy raising its ugly head when one or both realize that, hey, other people STILL want to and do look, flirt, talk and interact with and attempt to infringe on 'their' beautiful mate.

What?  They think just because they are involved with each other that no one else will notice the beauty that first attracted them as well?!  SMH...

Ok, people, enough.  The reality is, if a relationship is based on trust, is solid, committed, open and honest, it won't matter a hill of beans if a million others look, flirt, talk, interact and attempt to infringe with your mate because the desire that comes from being admired is only important if it comes from the person who loves them and trusts them.

Trust them and love them enough to believe that, while they may be flattered by the attention, their commitment to the relationship won't falter from a few flattering compliments or devilish attempts to get them to stray.

Look at the attention from others as a reaffirmation of your original response to the beauty your mate possesses - take it as a compliment instead of a threat.  Be proud of them as a person, not just for how they look.

Motto of the story:  Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder;

Moral of the story:  Remember, there are many eyes to behold the beauty.

Don't expect others to stop appreciating and admiring beauty just because you've claimed it as 'yours'.  You'd be thrilled if someone paid you a compliment on your car, that new dress, your home - why then do you feel threatened by someone complimenting your mate?