Ladies and gentlemen it’s June again and just in time for our wedding issue at the Focus. The styles we have in wooing one another could not be more diverse. Some are attracted to shiny castles and presents while others are content as can be with a simple hand held. What turns us “on” is a magnificent study in human nature and bio diversity. Interesting still, is just how much there is to be learned from the similarities and differences we have with our fellow animals.
While completing my BS in Psychology, I spent a lot of time studying sexual behaviors both “normal” and “deviant.” The lengths to which we go to to secure a mate especially once love and affection have been requited are very interesting indeed. Men and women alike have been written about and studied as if we are complicated creatures having our gestures for affection analyzed for decades. It’s would seem to be pretty easy …right??? The start up is the most difficult part as you’ll discover when talking to old married couples. They have it all down pat neat and tidy in the business of love and affection. The young one’s are too busy to even analyze cause they are, well…you know… making whoppee!
Socially speaking, humans are dependent exclusively on time and place. Defining our roles for mating are as a result constantly changing. These roles dictate the way the sexes play out but funny enough the results will always be the same. The animal kingdom is where I find the rules do not change. They keep on clear and steadfast in their roles for centuries without waiver.
Take for example the recently discovered; but I am quite sure it’s nothing new to them, the very fabulous performance of the dolphin. Humpback male dolphins go to the sea floor and present flowers in the form of sea sponges, balancing them on their noses and flipping and catching them on their tails as a means to let the female know of their interest. For this behavior it appears that they are rewarded by the ability to have sex year round and not just during a particular season in the sea. Men… are you listening? Take note! Why yes, you too could possibly score if you’d show up to home base with some petals from time to time.
Also worth mention is the bio drive coming from the puffer fish and the Bowerbird. The puffer makes a symmetrical drawing the the sand, creating perfect lines and when the female decides to lay her eggs she does so by choosing the center of his piece of art in the sand! Like the Puffer the Bowerbird collects shiny objects and builds a beautiful nest filled with decorations. They bring in fresh flowers and are owners of the ultimate bachelor pad.
When I discovered what was the real deal with snails… Well, folks it made more sense as to the sheer numbers in my garden. Did you know that snails are hermaphrodites and they both get pregnant when mating? So STRANGE… They actually each have a sharp organ that they stab each other with to deliver sperm called a “love dart.” Hmmmm I sure wonder what that would be like… I would feel like a super hero for sure!
Take Care of YOU!
If you think mating and maintenance of the species is interesting you should head over to my travel column where in Globetrotter this month I describe the top trends in honeymooning. Love nests come in so many varieties and we have once again redefined what that looks like once the knot has been tied between us!
