Ten Statements

Mr Bills; Mr Skills; Mr Romeo

For any man, one particular situation that looks good in the short term, but in reality slowly pushes the self-destruct button in the long term, is when a woman is no more interested in a particular man than she would have been in a totally incompatible stranger, but for reasons best known to her, signals that she finds the man attractive or is perhaps willing to play his game.  

Reasons for this may vary; however, my research shows that women, like their male counterparts, generally have needs too, and overall, these needs can be grouped into three main categories: physical, material, and emotional. Considerate and realistic women know it is not always possible to have all three categories fulfilled by just one man, so they compromise, making do with one or two of the three needs, and at the same time accepting or working on the area(s) they find lacking in that man. However, there always seems to be that one woman somewhere – slipping through the net – with the firm belief that she can have it all. But if, all of a sudden, she realises – the hard way, if I may add – she couldn’t have the needs fulfilment she craves in just one man, what would she do?  

Well then, let’s just theorise for one second: for her material needs, she sticks with Mr Bills for financial security, though not in the least bit attracted to him (Mr Bills might suspect, but in most cases, it is usually too late). Then she may have an affair with Mr Skills for his looks, outward appeal, and perhaps sexual prowess, to meet her physical needs, considering that Mr Bills is not really the best in the looks department and in most cases may be a little too tired for bedroom antics after a hard day’s work. If she – let’s call her Sharon – accuses Mr Bills of working all the time, he would point to the sports car in the garage – let’s call it Lamborghini  – which he bought as a present for her last birthday and remark: ‘How did you think I could have afforded your car, by staying home and having sex all day?!’ (Is it just me, or does that sound harsh?) Although a responsible and industrious high-flyer working for a blue-chip company, Mr Bills is by no means innocent when it comes to taking office work home, thus sparing little or no time for Sharon.  

And just when we thought we’ve seen the best of the ‘Mr Bills–Sharon–Mr Skills’ love triangle, in steps Mr Romeo, Sharon’s pillar of emotional support. Mr Romeo’s main positives and strength provide Sharon with a ‘listening ear’ whenever the chips are down– as we all may or may not know, every woman loves a good listener, especially when she needs to get a few things off her chest.  

She could be with all three individuals for three different reasons without arousing their slightest suspicion. What about the men playing this tripartite game? Let us just say they are as real as taxes. I have met them, and I’m quite sure you have too (It could as well be you, the male reader) – and occasionally have even sat down to have drinks with them. Some were friends and acquaintances, and others? Well, we can call them ‘absolute strangers’, who felt the need to confide in anyone who cares to listen to them at their lowest points, most especially when alcohol had taken its toll. Mind you, as an observational writer, there is no better venue to find me in, with an imaginary pen and pad handy, than a wine bar or pub. As long as alcohol keeps flowing, the hearts and souls of men and women also tend – in unison – to flow as freely as the Niagara Falls.

Even though Mr Bills, Mr Skills and Mr Romeo hold different statuses in the society - rich or poor, good looking or ugly, old or young - they are all ultimately victims of the same predicament: deception. To make matters worse, the three hardly ever cross one another's path making each feel assured that .....( To be continued)