On Finding Your Life Partner There are many forms of popular dance. Among them is ``partner dancing,'' where two people synchronize their moves to create the overall dance. One person, traditionally the man, leads the steps, while the other follows. Examples of partner dancing include ballroom, latin, swing, disco, and many country western dances. I believe learning to dance in partnership is the best way to find and maintain an ideal relationship. Every aspect of a successful romantic partnership is embodied within a dance partnership; plus, learning to dance provides countless opportunities to meet new people. It can also improve the partnership of established couples.
Everyone has heard that they should take up a hobbie or class if they want to meet new people. Women often take up a sport if they want to meet men. Competitive sports may introduce new people and provide exercise, but they also include competition. You're more likely to create an adversarial relationship than a partnership. Even athletes on the same team will compete against each other, and may become annoyed if their team members don't perform up to par. Like athletics, partner dancing provides exercise, but it does not create rivalry. Instead, each dancer contributes exactly half of the necessary work in a partnership. And there cannot be any competition between the two, because a leader's and a follower's roles are completely different, yet both essential to the partnership.
Suppose you choose a class for learning a skill that isn't competitive -- culinary classes or computer skills classes are good examples. Unfortunately, shy people are rarely able to break the ice in these types of settings. Most people quietly attend classes and do their work alone. In a dance class, however, there isn't much you can do alone! The instructor demonstrates the pattern, and everyone pairs up to try out the new step. Don't worry if you're matched with someone you...