Parties and Relationships

So far, I've gone out every night this week. I think it's because there's been a lot of things to do. But don't worry, I'm still getting my work done. I spent hours between Wed. and yesterday writing my Pitchfork Chicago Innerview previews. It took forever but I think they turned out well. They have to be good because thousands of people (give or take) will be reading that issue. Monday night I went to a couple of bars, Tuesday night to a show, Wed. went to a supposedly free sushi event but there wasn't any, last night went to a couple of open bars and tonight I'm going to a b-day party which I think might be a little crazy. At the past two parties at this place, bad things have happened to my friends. One ended up getting brain damage and another got her phone stolen which lead to all kinds of mayhem. I'm a little superstitious, so I'm wondering what the hell is going to happen tonight. I'm going to have my guard up, for sure.

Last night I went to an open bar that turned out to be a discussion on relationships. My friend and I went for the unlimited hour of free booze, but they had two guys there who are relationship experts (one has written a couple of books) dispensing advice and answering questions from the female only audience. They talked about how friends with benefits only benefits the guy and how courtship and dating doesn't exist anymore. I really responded to that because in a previous post I discuss how chivalry is dead. They mention guys and girls don't take the time to get to know each other anymore. It's all about instant gratification, but in my experiences, if you do take the time to get to know someone and build a solid friendship, the relationship is bound to last longer than something that you jump into. The guys also brought up that everyone is a certain type like warrior, lover, king/queen or magician. I'm pretty sure I'm a "lover." They discussed the difference between first date sex and one night stand sex (you have a better chance of starting a relationship with the former). At one point the guys asked the ladies in the audience if they liked younger men and for some reason, my hand shot up first, to my chagrin. I don't seek out younger guys on purpose, I just always happen to like the ones that are younger. Maybe I like their energy or the fact they don't want to settle down...I don't know. I do know a few older guys close to 40 who are single and act younger. I like younger people who act older in general. It makes me feel less old.

Other tidbits: yesterday one of my friends wanted me to buy cigarettes on my way to meet up with her. Of course I got carded. I mean, do I really look 17? I'm not going to complain, but c'mon. It looks like I'm definitely getting a press pass to Pitchfork. It's going to be a crazy and fun time. Now if only if I can get that coveted Lolla pass, I'm set for the summer. Tuesday night I'm going to see Liz Phair in concert. She's performing her groundbreaking album in its entirety. She wrote the record when she was living in Wicker Park, so it'll be cool to see her. The only thing is I'm sacrificing working a boat event to go to the concert. There will a couple of other boat events this summer, but not other Liz Phair shows any time soon.