Have you ever dated, or been in a relationship with, someone who wasn't in the same 'class' as you? They were much poorer and lived in a ghetto, or they were much wealthier and lived in a wealthy neighborhood?

If so, did it make a difference? Did you ever feel uncomfortable in their surroundings?

I had a boyfriend that I and my parents liked real well (on a personal level), but he was truly a surfer bum who either did menial work or lived off welfare. This was back in the early-70's and he was kinda-sorta' a "residual hippie" at heart. In time I knew that there really was no future with this guy because, well. . .

Well, I wasn't a hippie with a lackadaisical attitude towards life.

Can't say that I have.

Umm, no...can't say that I have. I wouldn't mind finding out what it's like to date a multi-millionaire though.

I have been involved with people who may have been a little richer and lived in a slightly better neighborhood or a little poorer and lived in a slightly more modest neighborhood, but there hasn't been any substantial differences. Never dated anyone who lived in a gated suburb or the projects.

As I've mentioned before, back when I was young ppl in my circle didn't date - we just ended up in bed together.

However, I did date Mrs. R the woman older than my mother.

She was more established and had a new Olds Cutlass, which she let me drive after she picked me up at my apartment. She would discreetly slip me money under the table to pay for our meal or drinks. So, being a boy toy might be a class difference. It was a fun experience for both of us.

(Here's to you Mrs. Robinson, if you're still around. Happy 86th B'day)

Yeah, and once I grew up it became uncomfortable.

Hood guys loved me because I was the college "good girl" from the suburbs. However, for the most part I couldn't stand going to their houses and they didn't know how to act in my world. For the majority of them, their lives consisted of cigarettes, weed, illegal hustles, white tees and Timbs, payday loans, gambling, guns, 40's, just got of jail parties, 10 people living in a 3 bedroom home, no stable transportation, not eating because they're used to being hungry...the stereotypical hood mentality. I'm NONE of that.

Years ago I was involved with someone who embodied all of that. I was on good terms with his mom; I didn't have a choice because they shared a room at HER mom's house and we would use HER dad's car. Couldn't meet his dad because he was in jail. One day he said to me after months of being involved, "You wouldn't let me meet your parents, would you?" FUCK no I wouldn't. That was when I realized dating below my level is for fun ONLY.

And when I say my level, I mean mental level. I couldn't date a wealthier person who was an alcoholic pill popping gambler living off ketchup sandwiches either.

I don't think so.