FACT/COMMENT: The average Australian woman

Believe me, this is true. I don't know where you are as you're reading this but I hope for your sake gender relations are better in your country:

She used to be in her early thirties and married with children. Now she's pushing 37, is likely to be single, with one or two offspring. (...) ...Doctor Helen Kelleher, convenor of the Australian Women's Health Network isn't surprised by the finding that more than half the women surveyed say they've lost interest in sex. A new look at the Australian everywoman, contained in a report compiled by a number of Australian universities and health services, suggests she may be less happy than she used to be.

Despite improvements in their education and health, the Australian everywoman is getting fatter. The report reveals obesity is on the rise, and that almost three quarters of women do little or no exercise at all. (...) The study also found that rates of domestic violence had barely changed, and that body image is still a big concern for many women.But Opposition spokeswoman on women's affairs, Tanya Plibersek, says she's particularly worried about the growing wage gap between men and women, which has blown out in the five years from 1996, from an average of around $230 per week, to more than $310.

(Source: ABC AM Programme)

And, as with so many things in Australia, because the average is so extreme, it logically follows that deviations from the norm are also extreme. This is to say that of course there are non-obese, single, successful women with a high sex drive. Unfortunately, all these women ever talk about is how slim, sexy and successful they are, and what they are going to do now that "Sex and the City" is off the air. Pitiful, really. So you have either doormats or screeching self-centred egotists.

In case you think this sexist, let me assure you that the same thing holds true for men in this country - either boofheads or yuppies, take your pick. If you're looking for someone who's a bit of everything, you know, smart and good-looking and interested in someone else than themself, just a normal well-rounded person... let me know when you find one.