How Many Men Is a Woman Allowed to Have?

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Mary Richards: Well, what's the cut-off point Mr. Grant? I mean, is... is there some number? You know, I'd really like to know. How many men is a woman allowed to have before she becomes *that* sort of woman?

Lou Grant: Six.

 

[markfromj]

What a show. Peanuts the clown....wow.

 

[ChrisVarick]

Six seems kinda high to me.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Six seems kinda high to me.

Thank you.

Back when this show aired, the sexual revolution was well under way. The pill was widely used. Herpes and AIDs weren't issues. All STDs were curable. Most of us still had prudish instincts, but were doing our best to shake them off.

Those who remember this episode will remember that straight-laced Mary exited Lou's office in a fluster, leaving the obvious impression that she was well over Lou's limit.

Those who don't remember this particular Mary Tyler Moore episode may appreciate the background. Lou (the news station's boss) is engaged in a romance with a well-respected and well-traveled lady journalist. Lou believes that she's had lots of sexual experience and he's feeling intimidated. He refers to his paramour as "that kind of woman." Which leads to the exchange in the OP.

Point being that 6 was not a high number back then. Probably isn't today, either, but with the push-back against the sexual revolution, I wonder if Lou's view (conservative then) is now too high, about right, or too low?

So . . . how many is it today? If you are looking at a woman as a possible serious partner or wife, how much prior promiscuity would put you off?

 

[hawkifann]

I would think it would have to be taken in context both of age and how the hookups happened. I'm not sure exactly when I'd be bothered, but it's not a pure number. If I'm 25 and dating a 23yo who had 10-15 partners in college, that's different than if I'm 35 and dating a woman who has had 10-15 partners via serious and semi-serious relationships over the years. Even then, in the former case, it's going to be less about being "judgy" and more about wondering whether the girl is actually in a place where she's going to want to settle down. I think I'd also be more concerned about recent promiscuity than past stuff....and by promiscuity I mean a significant number of hookups outside of semi-serious relationships.

But it really can't be useful as a pure number. A number of 6 might be pretty high for a college underclassman....but it's going to be pretty low for a woman in her early 30s.

 

[LuteHawk]

Elizabeth Taylor was married 8 times. Her beauty was
coveted by men of all ages. Obviously, Liz was unable
to make a commitment to just one man. A good marriage
is one where both the husband and wife want to be with
each other for a lifetime.

Bottom Line: Next time a friend or relative celebrates
their 25th or 50th Wedding Anniversary, be certain to
congratulate them.