The Road Less Traveled

By Pattaya Pete

"Love is a rose but you better not pick it, only grows when it's on the vine. Hand full of thorns and you know you've missed it, lose your love when you say the word mine"

In keeping with this month's love theme, and in attempt to keep things fair and balanced, a narrative on a single man's perspective seems to be in order. Although being single in a place like Pattaya has its advantages, most of which I will always feel compelled to retain, maintaining this status as you get older is not always easy. As you get older, there may be an attraction to those things that are familiar, comfortable and secure. However, I seldom get tired of the "sexy man come inside" side of life here and though I know these proclamations are centered mostly around financial hopes or promises, it seems to me the difference in playing the love game here compared to anywhere else, if you can compare, is the fact that things are much more up front here in Thailand and specifically, Pattaya. Let's face it, regardless of where you live, if you are male and "playing the field" it is only natural that women see the opportunities that exist in your future. Love, in its purest sense is not so easily found especially in a place like Pattaya. It's probably that thinking that has kept me in the single status for so long. Being single, like being married however is not for everybody. Playing the field comparatively speaking can be more expensive than being married. The constant changing of partners can leave you questioning names and wondering who it is you are actually talking to on the other end of a phone line. Marriage on the other hand can give a degree of stability to one's life. If your intent is to do business here, having a partner who can handle those challenges that occur in Thai business can be invaluable.

However, I've been told by a very good friend of mine that being married to a Thai woman is not always easy. Communication and cultural differences make a relationship an active and never dull experience. If you are an impatient or quick tempered sort this may not fit very well with your individual personality style. The good thing about marriage here vs. let's say the UK, is the fact that there are no real alimony laws here and if it doesn't work or you change your mind along the way, a marriage can be dissolved easily and for little money. A small "thanks but no thanks" payment may suffice as long as there are no children involved unlike the money required and mandated by legal authorities abroad. As with all things in life, to every situation there are inherent benefits and deficiencies and a careful analysis of what you can and cannot handle is imperative to living successfully here, single or married. Regardless of your choice, if you are here enjoying the good life you are part of a selected group living on "the road less traveled".