Don't be fooled. I don't have any education in human dynamics, I'm just an opinionated guy. But in the course of my job, I speak with a lot of single people (over 3500 so far), so that may make my two cents worth a nickel. And my opinions do reflect many of the dreams, ideas and frustrations of the single adults I talk to.

I also spend a lot of time reading articles and magazines, scanning the Web and watching television in search of information pertaining to relationships between men and women. Unfortunately, the more I find out, the more depressed I get.

I am really a romantic at heart. Like most of us, I was brought up on Walt Disney. Prince Charming and Sleeping Beauty. Disney is full of family oriented messages. And Walt's families almost always have two parents. It now seems this is out of date.

A few years ago we learned Women were from Venus and Men were from Mars. And it's getting worse. I don't even know if men and women inhabit the same universe anymore. The more I read, the more one message keeps coming through. Women are unhappy with men, especially after they marry them. It's war of the worlds, and everybody is losing.

I speak with a number of single women every day. As they are calling my dating network, this sampling has obviously not given up on the idea of an intimate relationship with a man. Good thing they don't read the stuff I do. I'd be out of business.

To read the modern woman writer makes me feel ashamed to be a man. Are we really that bad? Yes, I admit we still have a lot to learn about equality. Yes, we have more serious disfunction (drinking, drugging, abusing) than woman do. Yes, we still don't pull our weight around the house. I admit all that. But I also know that many of us are far better fathers and husbands than our fathers were. We certainly take more responsibility than Dad did. It just seems that today's woman just won't put up with any of the crap that Mom did.

I just get really upset to hear the figures. By the year 2000, 50% of households will be headed by a single parent. The divorce rate is well over 50% with no end in sight. 75% of today's divorces are initiated by women. And it looks like sperm banks and dildo manufacturers are real growth industries. And while I feel that many women have valid complaints, I think that very little has been written (by women anyway) to address certain facts. (Well, I think they're facts. This is where my ignorance kicks in).

I think men want to be with women (and not just for sex and to do the dishes), and I think women want to be with men (although qualified to the hilt). I fantasize about sex, about being a professional drummer, about having money, power and lots of things, but having a woman I love and respect, and a woman who loves and respects me, transcends everything else. I'm not co-dependent (really) but I want to love again and don't want to give up on that dream. I think most women want that to, but you'd never know it being alive in the 90's.

Even more important, and something not discussed amongst the 'me' generation is the children. Yes, they survive divorce. Yes, that can live happy, fruitful lives in a single parent home. I can live and survive with one leg, but that doesn't mean I want to. My daughter is a fantastic kid. I love her infinitely. But divorce has burst an important and primary bubble in her life that will never be replaced. We go on, but we both have to accept that something very sad has happened.

Children need the balance, the diversity of opinion and technique, the Yin and the Yang, that a two parent family offers. The dichotomy of approach that a man and woman have on life is healthy, and needed stimulation for our children. Our parents stayed together for the kids, but today's couple won't stay together just for the kids. And while a child shouldn't have to live in an unhappy family war zone, just what do we teach our children about compromise and commitment with today's throw away relationships.

In 15 years, there's going to be A LOT of men and women growing old alone. I don't think it's going to be pretty. And I don't want to be one of them. Yes, men still have a lot to learn about relationships. I just hope there are some good women around to help us get there. Who knows ladies, there might even be something in it for you. And I know the kids will approve.