Angela Philipps, Contributor

I CAN just hear you all now: "Is this lady crazy? Of course, I wouldn't date a criminal. Who does she think I am?" Well, OK, perhaps you wouldn't go out with someone who had committed a really heinous crime like murder (or maybe you would!), but what about a person who has shoplifted, or illegally rigged up his or her electricity or cable from another house? Would you judge their decision to be a 'little bit naughty' when it comes to the law? Or do these matters not really count in the grand scope of crime?

I grew up in a most law-abiding household, with parents who wouldn't even let me drive the car with 'L' plates before I turned 17. "Come on, Dad, all my friends are doing it," I'd complain bitterly. "Oh yeah? Well, I hope their parents can afford the bills when the insurance companies won't pay for a car crash," he'd throw back at me. Of course, he was right. It was illegal for me, or any of my friends for that matter, to use a 'learner's' until I became of age, and if an accident ensued I'd be in big trouble without the resources to afford it!

One hears of women visiting men in prisons and forming romantic relationships with them. I guess everyone has a good side, but seriously, shouldn't these fellows be in punishment? Why on earth would a woman allow herself to fall for a thief, rapist, murderer and all others locked up, is beyond me.

Am I being judgemental? Yes, most definitely, but with good reason, I think. Laws and rules of society are put forth and practised so that people can live together in this world. They are not unreasonable, and to be fair, they are not hard to follow or abide by. However, it's imperative that those who bring us up - parents, other members of family, guardians, and orphanages - instil what is right and wrong in us from the moment we are born. The old saying, 'Practise what you preach,' is not to be taken lightly.

Perpetuating the problem

And to get back to having a 'boyfriend' in jail. Well, I believe that the point of prison is isolation from free society, and if you don't like that idea, then you'd better think twice before doing anything you shouldn't do! Those who do nurture these romances with someone on the 'inside' are perpetuating part of the problem. If all law-abiding citizens were to shun and penalise all those who are crooked, then perhaps the latter would not be so quick to commit misdemeanours and wrongdoings.

Let's say you meet a bloke and fall desperately in love with him. You're driving together on the highway, and he gets stopped for speeding. Rather than get a ticket, he offers the cop money. You are shocked, and when he is back in the car you say as much, and that you are truly disappointed with him. He tells you to calm down and stop overreacting. A few days later, the same thing happens again. What do you do? You have never broken the law in your life. You feel it's important that your partner has the same morals as you, but clearly, this guy does not. If you break up with him, you break your heart, and if you stay with him, you break your soul.

What about the really gorgeous man you've had your eye on for some time? He's charming, kind and generous to you, and to everyone you know, for that matter. He asks you out, 'wines and dines' you, and leaves you wanting for nothing - emotionally and financially. He seems to have a small respectable business, but then you find out how he really makes his money. Let's just say it's not pretty; in a word, it's dishonest. He's not going to get caught, so "it's all good", he tells you. However, can you sleep at night knowing that the house you're in was paid for with 'dirty' money? Would it bother you to know that your high-flying lifestyle is the result of others' misfortunes? Would you really date a criminal?

angelaphilippsja@hotmail.com