I was out at a bar last night chatting with an old friend. She mentioned that she's been with the same guy for a few years now and they finally moved in together. But now her family thinks it's hilarious to call her guy their "sin in law." Her guy, on the other hand, doesn't think it's so funny. I don’t know what it is about cohabitation these days that feels so normal, contrary to the family of my friend. Whenever Aaron and I start talking about getting married I can tell neither one of us is opposed to it. I mean, it’s what folks do— But there is something so completely right about living together and being together as we are now that makes it feel like it’s going to require a shot gun to make it “legal.” Or a lease.

Aaron and I have decided to begin making steps toward becoming Domestic Partners. I really love that this option is out there. It feels like the same level of commitment as marriage without a lot of the modern social pressures of a marriage. Now let me just say, with complete earnestness, we are not doing this in opposition to marriage nor are we making a political statement, like: Not until same-sex unions are allowed to marry! (although, if that’s a bi-product of Domestic Partnership than that is awesome too.) However, Aaron and I are looking for joint health care, tax breaks and the ability to hold each other’s hand in the event that one of us falls on the subway tracks and onto the third rail, (a real fear of mine) as much as the next guy.

To begin, Aaron is going to get his name on the lease. Beyond that we have to wait several months. Don’t worry. I’ll keep you posted. (If you and your partner are interested in your state’s domestic partnership laws, check them out, as they vary. In New York: go to http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/domestic_partnership_reg.shtml#requirements)

In the meantime, we will continue to sin. Which coincidentally brings me to another exciting bit of news: My new book, The Purity Test: Your Filth and Depravity Cheerfully Exposed in 2,000 Nosy Questions, published by St. Martin’s press was released last month. I am pleased to say it is laying on a table in the Union Square Barnes and Noble, in the DOWNSTAIRS! on a table that says, Odd, Curious, Cool. I am hoping this book is cool and not odd. But the top one looked well thumbed through. And that makes me happy. I stalked the table for 10 minutes until someone picked it up, ran over and yelled shrilly, “I wrote that!’ We stood there for a moment as my new fan, terrified, looked from side to side. Slowly he replaced the copy to the table and backed away. No other words were exchanged.

Party for the release is on March 19, 2009 at Dempsey’s in the East Village from 7-9. Please come if you are in NYC! That is not desperation. That is sincere hope, and a little desperation.

Right, so, my new book testing purity which includes the question, “Have you ever fucked the foamy head of a Guiness pint or wanted to?” is out. I am continuing to live (happily) in sin. I will also mention that Elena and I have turned in our newest book, The Good Girl’s Guide to Getting it On, to be released in 2010, that is if the world doesn’t end before that, as my lovely boyfriend continues to tell me with each and every (sinful) literary step I take: “The end is nigh.” But whatever, he has spent a lot of his life egging things so he can’t talk. Sin in laws. What can you do?

  Domesticating Partners