It is a problem and a big one.

We live in a materialistic world and status is based on motor car and home ownership. One of the reasons why I'm thinking of moving into New York City is for this very reason. It's understood that unless you're doing very well in Manhattan, most people don't have cars and asking someone (male/female) out on a date is easy because they don't expect you to drive!

However, for those living in the burbs, it's not easy at all. I don't have any answers.

Women expect you to have wheels by the time you hit 20. In fact, I see loads of kids in high school driving expensive leased cars by the time they hit 18! As a young person without rich parents, it's even harder to afford a car because you're not earning much money. Yet, men are expected to go into debt to live a lifestyle they really can't afford to impress the opposite sex. What women don't understand is that motorcar ownership makes you even poorer which results in having less money to spend on them. All too often, men hide the struggle by using credit cards to pay for gifts and costly resturants since all the cash went into the car. I've been there.

On the light rail the other day, I saw a couple heading for work. They were both in their mid to late 40's and were holding hands walking down the street. The man on one hand had an old beat up deparment store bike since it was obvious he was escorting her to work. You could tell right away he was a transportation cyclist who was dating someone who couldn't care less about the bicycle. That's the person you need. I was envious.