BAND CAMP SYNDROME. :(
A dear friend of mine and I were having a conversation about the recent software convention she had just returned from, and she shared something that drained every ounce of trust and I once had in the honesty of our supposed intelligent society. Nearly 24hours later, since the conversation, and it's still actively gnawing away at my surprisingly naive mind. The congregation appearently sings, "The mice will play; love the one your with; and he'll/she'll never know!"

Before we dive...
Before I can dive into this subject, I cannot claim to be the moral epiphany. Due to a weak moment that led to infidel many years ago, my concience haunts me... even to this day. The thought of hurting someone again by whimsically blurring my own line of honesty to my partner is now unbearable. The thought of sharing moments of intimacy with others outside that bond... a true tragedy. Maybe lack of moral fiber in society is what's to blame. Or maybe it's just the age-old... "who's gonna know?" vying for power in the mind. After my time of weakness, I felt as though I was the worst person alive. After my conversation, I've now learned other people simply don't care, don't learn a lesson, and it's "accepted" by everyone around.

A thick web of deceit revealed to the naive mind.
General stories she tells. (Why am I talking like yoda?) Anyway... stories where it's "general practice" to hook-up with someone while on these trips, despite your marital status or other relationships you may hold dear when you're at home. She relays... that it's a common practice. "No big deal. Everyone cheats." Once again, my jaw drops. Common practice?

To shack?
My friend was asked by someone at the conference why they had come back to the room so early. (the intention was, why hadn't she shacked up with someone else that night.) This person knew that my friend was dating someone, yet this line of thought was "the norm" for the conference. I know I'm showing my complete ignorance and naivity, but I was astonished.

Who's the pig?
We often hear that men are pigs. In this post-modern world with mixed-gender management teams heading to such events as described, it appears that men don't monopolize the swine's way. Married men and women with families at home, and a total disregard to any bond or oath they've accepted. Like a hot, sweaty, hormonal teens acting out wet dreams at bandcamp... these are our friends, parents, bosses... and most importantly our own mates.

To self...
Learn to forgive myself... it's been 10 years already! This new knowledge definately won't help my already over-active mind, and this is why I must share my fears, and my new general lack of faith in people around me. Despite this new information, I must keep to my faith in those I choose to develop relationships. For my own sanity, I must trust. I must believe in my future partners, and if I've chosen them, they should be the type of person to have the courtesy and consideration for me to worry not. (more yoda talk)

To others...
Rethink. Be kind, and remember how your mate is going on a business trip next week.

peace-
seanrox