The Trouble With Love is...

Let's see, what shall I write about this time. I have many issues percolating in my head - Anwar, Obama, ISA - but I'm too tired to do my thorough homework on them lest some zealots shoot me down for my inconsistencies or lack of patriotism.

I'm writing this from my parents' house since the other half is out of the country again for business. Luckily, he's not gone for long this time.

The Anwar case is getting on my nerves while Obama's rise to success piques my interest. ISA is the kind of legislation that we can do without in this day and age, considering how it has been abused in some politically-charged instances. I won't pretend to be well-versed, nor feign an interest in politics since I have better things to do than watch a battle of nerves between old, bitter men. And what I mean by old here is having reached one's puberty.

However, since I'm getting 'old' myself - not in the physical kind but in the responsible-adult-kind - I must at least hold a semblance of interest in some things politics.

Before I veer off topic again, I found this gem of an article in the New York Times online which describes love lessons in interesting economic terms.

My favourite analogies are:

• In general, and with rare exceptions, the returns in love situations are roughly proportional to the amount of time and devotion invested.
  
  I duly believe in this mantra. Not only does it work for love, it also applies to other realms of your life like work and spirituality. However, some cynics might counter that the amount of time you slog off at work does not necessarily commensurate in monetary terms. In such a case, it is not the job you should be doing anyway! To paraphrase a quote, "Money is not everything especially if you love doing what you do".


• In every long-term romantic situation, returns are greater when there is a monopoly. If you have to share your love with others, if you have to compete even after a brief while with others, forget the whole thing.
  
  How true. I remember a guy friend who was chasing this gorgeous girl with a string of other admirers lining up. He bemoaned the fact that he won't stand a chance to win her heart even after he thought he had played his cards right. He had been Mr. Nice, but that was apparently not 'good' enough. Alas, he removed himself from the battle line lest he would be permanently scarred and bitter from an unrequited love.


• The returns on your investment should at least equal the cost of the investment. If you are getting less back than you put in over a considerable period of time, back off.
  
  While this is true for the most parts, I must reiterate the 'cost' involved may not always be financial in nature, but could also count time and emotions as their cost. I believe in the sincerity of the hearts and that in itself will pay out in the end.


• Long-term investment pays off. The impatient day player will fare poorly without inside information or market-controlling power.
  
  Indulging in 'fast love' would only eat you up in the long-run as you fail to stick your guns when it comes to the 'fundamentals' and 'intrinsic value' of love. Standing by your man/woman in all sorts of weather, so to speak, reaps a bountiful reward.


• When you have a winner, stick with your winner. Whether in love or in the stock market, winners are to be prized.
  
  That, ladies and gentlemen, is a no-brainer.

Read the article in full for other fun economics take on love. The rules are not earth-shattering by any means; but by providing an insight to the obvious, they are reminders of things we often neglect when juggling the various roles in our lives.