Dating and Life Experience

I'm watching this cruel, brutal dynamic called dating.  It starts when we are about 13-14 years old and our hearts flutter, we become tongue tied, and butterflies enter our stomachs upon seeing someone for no reason.

Anyway, as life presents us with milestones such as marriage, kids, etc., many find themselves alone again and revert back to being 13-14 years old.  Dating is MUCH different later in life.  For starters, it takes more than passing notes in class with Jimmy with little hearts and check the box "do you like me yes or no."

After decades of dealing with being lied to, cheated on, and deserted there is a much more cynical air to this love game.  I guess it's a type of emotional defense mechanism. 

I suppose that's why it's so hard for people to date after age 40.  Life has taught that people are not always what they claim to be.  Those with true intentions will persevere on and still attempt to sift through the piles of sludge for the chance of finding a golden heart.  Those with impure intentions will just prey on somebody younger and weaker than themselves to save them from being alone.