I love it when friends shares their dating escapades with me.   

I listen raptly and attentively. What they wore, what they did, how they felt afterward. How they feel going forward. What he said, what she said. What the waiter said. What he said, but what he really meant by that, what she said, but really meant by that. 

Mostly I think, I must really be saner than I thought.

After hearing their stories I have made this observation and have come to this conclusion. 

It's dinner for 300.

It seems to me that when dating continues, let's say after the age of 40, this phenomenon is a constant. Because to the table is brought every relationship that has predated this encounter. And there they all sit. Piping up, making noises, asking for clarification, more information. 

Understand, this is happening, simultaneously, with the conversation that is going on between the two flesh and blood people at the table. 

I suspect, the hope they all harbor, is that slowly, over time, those uninvited guests will be dismissed, one by one, until only two people are left.

Nice.