Halys80

Frat Boy, I went to UCLA and am very familiar with that frat. I dont this to be insulting, but it doesnt strike me as an organization striving to promote Armenian awareness as its mission--except for the part where its members had to learn about Armenian history, and write essays to be admitted into the frat. Even the selection process tends to exclude and alienate many nice, intelligent armenian young men. I have some people who are very close to me who are in that frat...including a family member. Though the concept of "brotherhood" etc are nice and idealistic, what else does it really offer? Just a sense of acceptance among some guys. Answering phones at the telethon, raising awareness for the Genocide...taking Armenian courses----most armenian students or armenians in general contribute to this in their own ways, and tho members of your frat may contribute also, its not fair to take credit as your sole purpose as an organization...because its not. Ive seen way too many AEO barbeques for fundraisers and "ways to meet girls" than I have for anything so benevolent for the Armenian cause in general.

I think that a bit of self-realization is great--especially when it comes to making a decision about who you will be spending the rest of your life with. Alot of the time, you have to go with your gut feeling about the person. However, emotions can be blinding sometimes, especially when we dont fully understand them. Sometimes it is helpful to get the perspective of others who can take a step back and assess a situation from another point of view. I think there are no better people to do this than your immediate family--those who have been there from the moment you were born, and have watched you develop as a person, and individual. Personally, I would give what my parents say alot of weight--I may not agree with them all the time, but it would be a significant factor in making such a huge decision. Also, I have a different perspective when it comes to Armenian marriages. Given how closely knit our families are, and how families are still such a huge part of your life even after you are married (just look at the whole "khoskap/khnamaganch" stuff--it's even in our traditions), I think its not just a marriage between a man and a woman, but a marriage between families. So, it's a little bit of a deeper issue from my perspective--I would want my family to feel comfortable and content with not just the guy I am with, but his family also. I know life isn't perfect and we can't please everyone...but I think parents do have your best interests at heart. I would give what they say some serious consideration. Best of Luck

Sip, Maybe I am speaking from the bias of my own experience, but I think the internet could be a great way to meet someone. Those categories of people that you mentioned---I think those people are present all around us in life---there's always those whose expectations are too high, or too low...or the players, or plain out perverts. But the internet gives you the option to scan over them, and move on to the next person and start a friendly conversation with someone whereas people would not have the initiative or even guts to do that in real life. Also, it gives you a chance to be a bit more uninhibited, and speak of things a little more freely than you would in real life. I've done the internet-meeting thing a few times, and I think people should be cautious. Because there will always be people who may be pretending to be something they are not---have wonderful personalities online and be totally unable to hold a conversation in reality, or just have ulterior motives. But to those things....as with any other situation in life, I think you have to be able to see through these things and have a sense of them. Also, I think that sometimes the internet could become a barrier to real life---ie, you feel more comfortable instant messaging people and sending smileys than actually speaking to a person face to face---and giving them a smile. THis is dangerous and I think people need a reality check at some point----it's a great tool---but its not a substitute for real life. Just use it to your advantage and go on with your life! So I say..why not.

Hello everyone, Even though I have been following the board for some while now, I decided to register today. There have been some great topics here, and I'd like to add one of my own for discussion. For the past few years now, I have noticed how Armenian women in general tend to be very catty, jealous, and competitive with one another---if a girl ends up with a nice guy, I have seen women very underhandedly attack her reputation, or her tactics in attracting the guy...even if they are basing it on complete gossip....or the same goes if she happens to dress nicely, or appear a little too confident/outspoken, have a good job/education--basically, if she has anything going in her favor. I have not only seen with girls doing it to other girls---but even with mothers against other girls, especially if their daughters are around the same age. I know that as humans, we are a competitive bunch. Some of it is natural. But I haven't noticed jealousy to this degree among some of my American or odar friends. Seems like it is a pretty common phenomenon especially among Middle Eastern women---or maybe, that is just my perception. What do you guys think the reasons are for this? Or if you disagree...