A friend sent this on; it’s a true (as against, fabricated) exchange that took place on Sept 3 on Craigslist, a New York community message-board. I hear you say… only in NY! (http://sleepyscout.wordpress.com/2008/09/03/the-american-way-of-romance /)

I’m tired of beating around the bush. I’m a beautiful (spectacularly beautiful) 25-year-old girl. I’m articulate and classy. I’m not from New York. I’m looking to get married to a guy who makes at least half a million a year. I know how that sounds, but keep in mind that a million a year is middle class in New York City, so I don’t think I’m over-reaching at all. Are there any guys who make 500K or more on this board? Any wives? Could you send me some tips? I dated a businessman who made around 200-250K. But that’s where I seem to hit a roadblock. $250,000 won’t get me to Central Park West. I know a woman in my yoga class who was married to an investment banker, and lives in Tribeca. She’s not as pretty as I am, nor is she a great genius. So what is she doing right? Here are my questions, specifically:

* Where do you single rich men hang out? Give me specifics – bars, restaurants, gyms.

* What are you looking for in a mate?

* Is there an age range I should be targeting?

* Why are some of the women living lavish lifestyles on the Upper East Side so plain? What’s the story there?

* Lawyers, investment bankers, doctors. How much do these guys really make? And where do the hedge fund guys hang out?

* How do you rich guys decide on marriage vs just a girlfriend? I am looking for MARRIAGE ONLY.”

An Investment Banker’s Response: “I qualify as a guy who fits your bill – I make more than $500K per year. Here’s how I see it: Your offer is a plain and simple crappy business deal. What you suggest is a simple trade: you bring your looks to the party and I bring my money. Fine, simple. But here’s the rub, your looks will fade and my money will likely continue into perpetuity – in fact, it is very likely that my income will increase, but it is an absolute certainty that you won’t be getting any more beautiful! So, in economic terms, you are a depreciating asset. In Wall Street terms, we’d call you a trading position – not a buy and hold. It doesn’t make good business sense to ‘buy you’ (which is what you’re asking) – so I’d rather lease. The deal that makes sense for me is dating, not marriage.

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