Mister's One Redeeming Quality

Lately I've been in such a "Color Purple" state of mind. I do not know why. I haven't watched the film recently. Who knows? Well anyhow, I've been truly considering a dear friend's suggestion to try my hand at dating older gentlemen. As I am forty one that idea concerns me because I certainly do not want to wander over into the geriatric ward, but a nice salt and peppered distinguished gentleman may do the trick. It is indeed worth an honest try. Thats where I am at this point in my journey, trying something new. After my last relationship fizzled out I promised myself no relationships for at least six months to a year. Which reminds me also, have I mentioned that I have another nasty habit of moving into a relationship in a full fledged way? Whereas some people move into a new relationship with an overnight bag, a change of clothes, a toothbrush, and an extra cellphone charger, I unpack all of my hopes and dreams and then commence to decorating. So, I'm thinking a definite detox is in order. During such time, it may not be such a bad idea to entertain the thought of spending time with older men. Secretly I have had this strange fantasy to become some older gentleman's "sweet young thang". It would be quite nice to be in the presence of an older, wiser, patient man willing to be leisurely with me. That's what older men do I'm told. They are "leisurely". They no longer sweat the small stuff. They take their time. They stroll through life with earned wisdom. They prepare and plan with purpose for what they set their sights on. I think as I swirled that idea around in my head somewhere that that's where "The Color Purple" came to mind. Not the demeaning, abusive horrific older man who preys on a younger woman using her as prime chattel, but as the "other" older man. The older man that caught a glimpse of a "sweet young thang" and it filled him with that special, unique eagerness. It reduced him to a boyish heap of excitement.

Ahhh, that's what I strangely adored about Mister. Yes, there was something endearing about Mister, to me at least. Remember when he first set his eyes on "Nettie"? The infatuation of a beautiful young girl seemed to set the man aflight, but what tickled me the most as a woman was the scenes of Mister before he went to "call for Nettie".  Now I do not believe that a girl that age was actually ready for marriage and especially not to a man as tormented as "Mister" but how sweet was it to see a man actually get excited about a woman? I took joy in watching him get "suited and booted" to go calling for Nettie. He even went so far as to pull out a nice hat and horse and once before her father he made his intentions known, "I come for your Nettie". I know, I know I should be much more progressive but I liked that. We see him yet again become full of enthusiasm at the mere idea of being in the presence of a pretty woman.  "Shug Avery" was not as young as "Nettie" but she was definitely the object of his desire. Just the simple suggestion that Shug was coming to town had Mister on the good foot and pulling out his smell good.  When a man wants something he pulls out all the stops. I suppose thats the difference. He wanted Nettie and Shug yet settled for Celie. To me Mister's one shinining, redeeming quality was his enthusiastic way of pulling himself together when preparing to court a woman. This is what truly made me think more of the older man idea. These distinguished gentleman really know how to pull themselves together. They actually put in effort when preparing to escort a woman for the evening. I have yet to encounter a man my age or younger who has invested the attention to detail that older men seem to towards their appearance. You can plainly see their efforts in all the tiny little things from their shined to perfection shoes to the exceptional timepiece on their wrist. They never ever appear thrown together. The good  Misters of the world display their unashamed enthusiasm for you. To me thats whats missing today, that good old fashioned male enthusiasm and eagerness as expressed in a man's appearance and efforts.  I loved how Mister actually attempted to prepared Shug's breakfast himself. I guess this silliness just warms my heart because for the majority of the film you see the monster in Mister but when faced with the object of his desire the monster is reduced to an awkward, eager school boy.  Older men still seem to retain that. I suppose again its because of their earned wisdom. Can someone please bring back the days where men invested effort into courting a woman? What a delight it would be to experience for a brief in moment time being the pretty protege to a fine gentleman.  I may just run across a good Mister whom I can enjoy for a little while, who knows? I did say that I'm open to trying something new.