When it comes to clubs, cliques, and exclusive memberships, I'm with Grouch Marx. "I don't want to be part of any club that will accept me as a member". I've never been particularly comfortable with groups that feel the need to puff out their collective chest with trumped up exclusivity. Though restrictive membership criteria are often put into place for benign purposes such as to give the illusion of importance or privacy, exclusionary measures can slide into snobbery and bigotry, limiting us as human beings.

What brought on this egalitarian musing? I read a press release today for a new Canadian dating service that specializes in matching people of a certain socio-economic bracket. They go so far as to state specific professions that would be acceptable in their network and let's just say that nobody on that list will be asking if you want fries with that. In a pre-emptive strike against naysayers like myself, the founders of the organization state that the reason for the exclusive nature of the dating service is to protect the privacy of the professionals. Yeah, 'cause it would be pretty embarrassing if you were to invite Sexyboy69 from PlentyofFish.com over only to open your door to your gynecologist. Dressed up in his leather chaps. Awkward.

I never thought to include profession as part of my dating criteria. That's not to say that I am not selective, I just don't consider what one does for a living to be all that important nor do I think it is indicative of traits that are important to me. I don't know - the concept of that dating service just kind of turned me off and led me to think uncharitable thoughts about its members. In an effort to be fair, I wonder, "Is this really any different than any other niche dating site?". Jdate, Adam4Adam, Christian Cafe, Farmers Only, Sugar Daddies (ew), DateaGolfer - Back away from the computer now, Mom. I know you are dying to sign me up.

Is choosing your mate by profession just as valid as choosing one by religion? What about choosing by race? I'd like to hear your opinions. Please comment if you have one.