I and several other people have explained carefully and patiently the concept of not being able to afford things. And of sacrifice—of a guest's contribution towards clothes, travel, accommodation, and vacation time.

Selfish me. I should have given up on grad school so that I could pay for people's wedding gifts.

When I was in grad school and newly graduated and my friends were getting married, even a small gift was too much. I would take Greyhound to weddings and camp. That was my weekly food budget gone.

I think you're partly right. Of course we lose touch with young popular culture as we get older, so we think parts of it are confusing or disgusting or whatever. I also agree that in every generation, there are young women who push the envelope.

Yes, they are customary. No argument there. But it is also normal and OK for people who are having financial or other difficulties not to bring gifts.

"Love language?" What? Is this a euphemism you have invented to make gift-grabbing look less vulgar?

I don't even know what to say to your attitude. I have to wonder if there's a parent out there who taught you to think this way or if you have somehow become indoctrinated from too much reality TV.

I don't know if I could wait that long. There are so many beautiful smalER (but not "small") towns in the west. If you like being out of the city, but want more than 300 people and a little more diversity, why not try Boise or Corvallis?

I think this is partly true. For example, I know that I'm getting old when I can't bear looking at Miley's tongue.

You're right about that. I have experienced small-town life. Are you still in that town?

I never believed that saying that New York City is one of the loneliest places. I couldn't wait to move there and then I found it is totally true. I still wouldn't have paid for a psychic though, because I was dirt poor. Maybe that's why everyone is so lonely—people are too broke to go anywhere.

Unfortunately, if they were banned, the people who get scammed by them would probably be the ones kicking up a fuss.

It is interesting to think about why we put "alternative" artists like Bjork and PJ Harvey in a different category. I think it because they are more introverted. They're not trying to comment on wider societal issues. Miley is not succeeding, but she is trying to be relevant outside of music as a social…

I think it is an excellent point that when Madonna dressed provocatively to shock, there was often another message behind it and that is what made her interesting.

Yeah, I'm still not seeing it. The black teen was apparently a cooking fan. Also, it isn't uncommon for people to walk around late at night on the Upper West Side because it usually is pretty safe due to all the people around.

Well, this is not a criticism of your decision, which is personal and informed...

Exactly. I'm sure there are never-married people out there who have walked away from a split feeling like things were done fairly, but I sure don't know any.

I'm still not seeing where that line is... I mean, do you really think Cybil Shepherd's character was more ridiculous that George Zimmerman?

Well, it may have been a ridiculous episode, but it was TV.

Yes, as I said, you said that you had thought about your personal situation and decided marriage isn't worth it for you.