Research Redux

Originally posted on August 18, 2007. Photos by Clara in OR, story by Clara and me.

Eli: Tiny, remind me again why we are doing this. Seems to me we’ve more than proved how um… compatible we are.
Cassandra: We have, Eli, but research has shown that a significant number of relationships that have a firm basis of compatibility in the beginning end up not working out, because the couple did not continue to work on the relationship, to keep it fresh and alive.

Eli: Lemme get this straight. You want me to be even more fresh, do you?
Cassandra: As if you could. Eli, be serious.

Eli: I can do “serious.” But do we have to go over all your notes and books again? Seems like there might be a better, more productive relationship-building idea with some serious fun built right in.
Cassandra: We can’t spend our whole relationship there, Big Guy.

Eli: Suuuuuuuure we could…. Okay, okay. Focusing here. Let me see what this says about your type. “Idealists are highly intuitive about people. In the relationship arena, they have a very deep capacity for love and caring which is not frequently found with such intensity in the other types. They do not devote their intense feelings toward just anyone.” Hmmm, is this true, Cassandra?.

Cassandra: *blushing* Uh…… that sounds about right.
Eli: Maybe this research isn’t such a bad thing after all. Let me find something from my profile…

Eli: Ah, here we go: “The Promoter.”
Cassandra: No, that’s not….

Eli: “Audacious, adaptable. Can operate people like others operate tools…..rarely interested in heartfelt, long-term commitments…….?????.......can be captivating mates as long as there is a social payoff”…..?????.....This is what you think of me, huh? Not a very nice guy here, Cassandra.

Cassandra: No, Eli, I’ve figured out you’re more of an…….
Eli: Yeah….. I guess I can see where you might peg me like this……. some of this is right on……..

Eli: Guess you can also tell why I didn’t want to be stuck into some category - not if it means being stuck in there with this guy.

Cassandra: First impressions aren’t always correct, Eli. That’s not what I think of you – not anymore. Here – this is you, at least it’s how I see you.

Eli: (takes it reluctantly and reads) “The Inventor.” Oh yeah, now I remember this one. “Enthusiastic, upbeat, charming.” Yep, sounds like me all right. “Laid-back, flexible, easy to get along with”…… devastatingly handsome, outstanding in be….........

Cassandra: Let me see that! I don’t recall anything about ‘devastatingly handsome’ in my notes!
Eli: Not so fast, Tiny. I’m not done reading yet. Now I have to compare this Inventor guy with your type. “The Idealist does not like to have their space invaded.” Haven’t noticed you kicking me out of your space at all. Especially lately. As a matter of fact…

Eli: I get the feeling you sort of like me invading your space.
Cassandra: *squeaks* Eli! Put me down!
Eli: Dontcha trust me to hold onto you, Tiny?
Cassandra: That is not the point!

Eli: Maybe that is the point. Maybe that’s why you keep going back through the notes and books for something in black and white. For something from those experts you trust. But I have to wonder - if you trust me, Cassandra….

Cassandra: I do trust you, Eli. Absolutely.
Eli: Then trust me about this. I do know how to hold on – and that is exactly what I am going to do.

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