Terror Sex

Terror Sex. Suzanne was right — lots of people are getting together and fucking in New York — we can expect a rash of ‘WTC Babies’ next year. I wonder if relationships that initiate during an apocalyptic event have a better or worse chance of enduring. Or about the same.

Exchange Theory would seem to say that its direct WTC effects will be minimal after the crisis time has passed. The partners no longer feel compelling desperation to exchange physical intimacy for emotional comfort. Then again, this study indicates any effects would highly idiosyncratic.

I prefer the later development of the Equity Theory approach over the long term. I think Exchange Theory measures consequent behaviours (gift giving and so on) that proceed often in large part from conscious and unconscious motivations. The perception of equity within a relationship being a prime motivator. With this in mind, I am less pessimistic about the longevity of any relationships begun or initiated during these times of crisis.

Maybe they’ll end up platonic?

Of course, 9/11 did have a massive and immediate effect on my personal relationships so I am not entirely without self-interest here.

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