Sex, Lies, and more of both
In a world in which numbers, by means of economics, are the primary evaluative method, relationships are necessarily perceived according to personal utility, as are the functions associated with them. Accumulation of partners may not be the goal, but accumulation of ‘good moments’ likely will be, likely taking the primacy of ‘fun,’ although other values will be in play. This means that no-fault, while previously the exception, because the norm, because every contract should be able to be broken by any party when the exchange of words/fluids leading to whatever other exchange is not kept. Which is to say, any purely quantitative system tends towards perfect fungiblity as a ‘perfect’ state. Lies here serve a purely cosmetic function: the word ‘marriage’ approaches a lie, as its origin and intention are not in keeping with the cosmetic. ‘Relationship’ would be closer to the truth, but really, any words are acceptable so as the fundamental nature of the transaction remains unquestioned.
How to act in such a sphere? Each sphere of action becomes little more than a game, and one should/must play to win in order to maximize. Is it permissible to use words with purely cosmetic function, allowing the other party to think according to old structures, while one embraces personally the new, entirely economic. Certainly it does not make sense to be in the middle, embracing both new and old, neither fully. The probable answer within the means presented is, it does not matter — do what you need to succeed.
What is an alternative?
