Sunday Scenario: If you were stranded on an island...

This one will require some serious thought, so hold on to your pants, folks:

If you were stranded on an island with no one other than a fairly attractive member of the opposite sex as a result of an unfortunate plane crash and were aware that the chances of you both ever getting off the island were slim to none, do you think you might eventually become physically and emotionally intimate with that person?

The scenario described above is reminiscent of the movie "Cast Away" featuring Tom Hanks, except that in this case the chances of ever making it back home are virtually nil.

I know that this is a tough one, especially for those who have a spouse and children.

Note that we're assuming the following:

Friends and family haven't heard from you in a while, and many have assumed you've died
You have no access to phones, and there's no way of reaching out to anyone else on the island
You and the other person have enough food and water to tide you over for a few years
You've found a way to put together a makeshift hut in which you both can sleep

I know most people might say, "If I have a partner and kids, there's no way I would get close to another person." But if you've been stranded on an island for months if not years and there's the possibility you might never leave the island, would it really be that easy for us to resist temptation?

Since prehistoric times, human beings have needed the care, warmth, and affection of others in order to function properly in society. And let's face it: We all have sexual needs. It's possible that both of you might pledge not to become romantically entangled and remain celibate on the island. But it's only human nature that you begin to develop feelings for someone after spending a long time with him or her, especially if the person has made a solemn effort to look after you.

So what would you do in this scenario? Looking forward to reading your responses!

To read earlier entries, click here: How to Understand People

Comments

James Mason said…

I am certain, I would develop a physiological bond to her. Given, all the essentials for that to happen, will be this environment. Great thoughts.

May 6, 2015 at 10:55 AM

Do you have Isolophilia? Find out...

You're probably asking yourself, "What in the world does Isolophilia mean?" It sounds like it would be something negative, doesn't it? After all, words that end in "philia" (e.g., pedophilia) tend to involve things we want nothing to do with. But Isolophilia isn't something all people deplore. In fact, introverts like me welcome it. Put simply, Isolophilia is defined as having a strong affinity for solitude. It describes a person who relishes being alone. While extroverts can only take so much solitude, we introverts find that it rejuvenates us. In order to recharge our batteries, we need to retreat to a quiet environment where we we're left alone to rest and/or gather our thoughts. Extroverts, on the other hand, become bored and drained when they're alone for a lengthy period of time. Social interaction is the fuel that drives them. So while an extrovert would probably do anything to avoid feelings of Isolophilia in most cases, an...

No response from someone IS a response

Make no mistake about it: When you don't get a response from someone -- whether they fail to answer your texts or return your phone calls -- it is still a response, and a powerful one at that. When a person fails to respond, it's a direct reflection of their interest -- or lack thereof -- in the relationship. Few things are more aggravating than having to hound a partner, friend, or relative for some sort of reply after we've reached out to them. Yes, we get busy from time to time, but that doesn't give anyone the right to leave the other person hanging. A terse text with something like "Been busy, will reach out soon" doesn't say much, but at least it shows some effort to bring the other person up to speed on why they've fallen off the radar. Failing to provide a response for weeks -- if not months -- communicates that you are just not a priority, and that you'll have to wait your turn to get this individual's attention. This is n...

An important note to women about men and attraction

I was raised by my mom, grandma, and two older sisters. Growing up, never did I ever take any interest in the girls at school who tended toward exposing more skin. I always treated them as I would my female family members -- with the utmost courtesy and respect. And anytime I suspected that a male friend or acquaintance of mine adopted a hump-and-dump attitude toward women, I nixed them from my life. I held men who treated women as objects in very low regard, and still do to this day. If women feel empowered to show off their bodies because they love and work hard on their physique, more power to them. In other words, if they're doing it to please THEMSELVES and no one else, good for them. However, those who do it specifically to curry men's favor are making a big mistake. It sends the wrong signals and actually makes it less likely that a man will want to stick around for a committed relationship (if that's what you want as anyway). Granted, if you're not lookin...

How To Understand People

Search This Blog