Soul Mates

Is there one perfect person for everyone? The more I think about it, the more I realize how ridiculous the notion is. Even if "the one" is out there, what chance does one have to meet that person? And if someone does meet that person, what are the chances that the circumstances will be favorable to a continuing relationship? And if that one person is found, and the relationship is given the opportunity to begin, what are the chances that the relationship will fit in with the norms of society? How many people are really willing to step outside of the box we've constructed around ourselves?

Like a wise and under-appreciated modern philosopher once said:

I would do anything for love, but I won't do that.

It just doesn't add up, and when given a good look, is down right depressing. In theory, there probably is one person who, if the right set of circumstances play out, has the potential to make one happier than others. In reality, it's all about maximizing happiness. Will someone who makes one averagely happy for 50 years give that person more gratification than someone who can make that person extremely happy but for only 10 years?

As time goes by, this seems to become less and less of an issue. Now, we really can have our cake and eat it too. It is now acceptable to marry the person you meet early on, divorce him or her after 40 years and spend the next 10 with the second person. We are no longer stuck with the decisions we make.

Oh, what a twisted web we weave.