It's Evil Genie time again!

[corrvin]

I'd do a poll, but this may take some explanation.

Think of the things you are most passionate about-- politics, religion, work, Italian medieval poets.

Now imagine that there exists such a person who shares ALL your opinions or beliefs, on all the subjects that are important to you. However, this person does not hold these ideas to be as important as you do. For instance, if you are a passionate Christian, this person would also be a Christian (at least, if you asked them) but not very interested in doing more than going to church every few weeks. Let us call this person the Agreeable.

Imagine a different person-- a person who finds certain subjects important, the SAME subjects you find important. However, this person's opinions and beliefs are all different from yours; For instance, if you are a passionate Christian, perhaps this person is a passionate Jew. Let us call this person the Opinionated.

If you were choosing someone for a short relationship-- say, a colleague to share teaching a class with you, or a date for an evening or two-- which would you choose?

How about a longer relationship-- say, a significant other, or a working partnership that might last years? Which would you rather have?

And now, the Evil Genie™ question.

I am an evil genie, and I tell you that I can find ONE person that is a perfect match for you in every way, except for being either Agreeable or Opinionated.

Remember that I'm a genie, so I'm really smart and powerful and I can probably find someone for you who is a better match than anyone you could ever find for yourself.

If you could choose to have me find a person, which would you choose?

A. Dear Genie, please bring me an Agreeable spouse.
B. Dear Genie, please bring me an Opinionated spouse.
C. Dear Genie, please bring me an Agreeable working partner (someone with whom I can have a long, productive relationship as colleagues, not a romantic relationship).
D. Dear Genie, please bring me an Opinionated working partner
E. Dear Genie, I would like my choice of (some other relationship).
F. Dear Genie, buzz off, I'll handle finding someone for myself.

Second question-- what if the Genie got to pick-- and remember, genies have terribly good taste, so even if they're choosing Agreeable or Opinionated for you, they'll still find someone better than you could find by yourself!

A. Dear Genie, please bring me a spouse.
B. Dear Genie, please bring me a working partner.
C. Dear Genie, please bring me (some other relationship).
D. Dear Genie, buzz off!