La Vie Bohème

After one full day back to the real world, my mind continues to wander back to the past week. I seem to be experiencing a bit of a culture shock in New Mexico. Where are all the people? And buildings?

If I could adopt the life of freedom in the city, I would most certainly lunch daily in Washington park where I came to know my very own relationship guru. For the sake of this post, I'll call him Dr. Love, a 40-something homeless man who's been around the block a time or two.

His patients are all unassuming men, usually trapped into answering one question, which at the time seemed relatively innocent. Dr. Love will quickly psycho-analyze said gent and waste no time delving into his prognosis and therapy (which is delivered with a side dosage of guitar strumming during awkward pauses).

My favorite lunchtime session was with a Russian born, unhappily married man. I sat down right as Dr. Love was beginning to explain how women were delicate flowers. It seems the Russian had been married for about four years, separated, and interested in a new collection of petals. Dr. Love responded with the harsh reality that the new mistress will be no different from his wife and in time is bound to become heavier and uglier than the day he was first attracted to her. Instead, his suggestion was "make your wife your girlfriend". Since women only crave security and attention, things had probably gone sour with the wife when less consideration had been paid. When's the last time they had a candle lit dinner?

If making things better with lady number one still didn't appeal, Dr. Love also reminded his patient that if he chooses to divorce, "your woman will take half of everything you got. Got no money? She'll find a way to take half of something else." (insert guitar plucking here) Once again, the Russian was informed that any future lady would probably do the same in time. I guess it all came down to simple economics.

Dr. Love also seems to have little trust in women's motives. Though we are but simple buds, we females have a sneaky way of sticking men with thorns. I've wondered since this session in the park if Dr. Love ever gives advice to the "more delicate sex" and if so what it would be. My guess is something along the lines of pleasing your man, making him feel powerful, not to be a gold digger, stop toying with men's minds, etc.

If I ever have the chance, I might just take the bait and see for myself. I have no idea when I'll be back in NY, but I'm willing to bet, Dr. Love will still be in the park singing songs and giving advice.