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I'm single. I'm absolutely content with being single, but I do still date. Maybe my comfort level with being single is the cause for this, but I do tend to (mentally) knit-pick the guys I'm dating. One issue that always waves a red flag in my mind is a guy's approach to being 'green'.
I don't need to be dating someone who refuses to drive cars and only grows his own vegetables, but it is nice to date someone who has a positive view on the whole movement. You know, a guy who won't make fun of me for refusing plastic at the grocery store.
But the fact of the matter, for 'green' singles and couples alike, is that two people are not likely to agree on every single green issue when it comes down to rearranging their own lives. Just watch an episode of Living With Ed. So I've put together some tips for those of you looking to find a nice, even playing field for you and your partner(s).
- Attitude. It's all about a person's attitude if you ask me. Instead of thinking constantly about what the person you're seeing is or isn't doing, try thinking about their general attitude toward green living instead. Is his or her heart in the right place?
- Action. What people do and say can unfortunately be two very different things. Work together when you can to take action on the issues that the two of you do agree on.
- Difference. No matter what, you've got to accept that you and whomever are never going to agree on every little aspect of being green. You can't force another human being to be vegan or to stop buying plastic all together. The idea is to find someone who you mesh well with... and that doesn't have to mean that they're just like you. Keep an open mind and remember that all green changes are better than nothing at all.
Need proof that it's possible to balance being green and still be a supportive partner and parent? See how Ed Begley, Jr. does it on Planet Green TV's Living with Ed.
