I came across two articles in the Tribune this weekend on new relationship trends that peaked at my interest. I enjoy hearing unusual stories from the couples my husband and I mentor about how they met their future spouse. Except, I would be seriously concerned to hear one of the following examples of chance encounter.

One trend is a website that is a refuge for heartbroken women to vent frustrations called www.dontdatehimgirl.com.  It’s described as a Better Business Bureau for men.  This site allows women to post inflammatory information, without recourse, that can damage the character of a man who might be a good and honorable person.  Deliberately pursuing something like this with intent to be hurtful sounds like revenge to me.  However, the men who are trashed are allowed to post rebuttals.

Another trend is recycling parties, or used-date parties.  At these parties, people bring an ex- boyfriend or girlfriend to swap so he or she can effectively help them meet a new date.  Essentially, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. 

The possibility of bad karma is brought to the forefront of one article.  I do not believe in karma.  However, I imagine the idea is, if you do something horrible to another person, it may be returned to you.

Consider this novel biblical perspective; treat others only in ways that you’re willing to be treated in the same exact situation.

A few questions came to mind after reading both articles —

1. Why deliberately badmouth someone?
2. Why toss the baggage over to another person?
3. Why continue dating a person whose character flaws were obvious after the first few dates?

 From Chicago Tribune