What is a One Week Wonder?

[JR]

Met a guy in Moscow on my way to Tashkent. He was going to Dubai to meet an FSUW he'd known online for about two months. Met him on the way back...he got married while in Dubai. I'd call that a One Week Wonder.

[groovlstk]

I used to think a OWW was a guy who filed a K1 or K3 after a week's face time together.

Now I think it's more a state of mind, as in a guy who thinks he's done his homework by verifying that his pen pal is "not a scammer or pro dater" and satisfying some random threshold proving to himself that his pen pal is "sincere." A marriage proposal follows during the first meeting if these elements are confirmed.

[tfcrew]

I suppose that Svetlana and I were practically a 'OWW'.
[where you have a ring and application papers handy] 
However that was some 11 yrs ago...

[Markus]

It's obvious from the definitions based on opinion that we really don't know what a One Week Wonder is. So, rather than continue with a question about the subject, I will give an OFFICIAL definition that we can all agree with.

OWW is called a One Week Wonder, a man who proposes during the 1st week of meeting his lady in person and they got married within 2 weeks of the proposal.

Now, when you use the OWW term, we will all know what you are talking about. I allowed an extra week in case there's a delay in the paper work. After all, a man going to the FSU must have all the required information to pull this off.

I realize this term doesn't take into consideration the "time" involved in communicating but, the term exists and too many folks just don't understand what OWW means.

I also realize that Kenc who coined the term will realize that he created a term at that specific time without the whole story. Let's pat Kenc on the shoulder for coining the term.

So, when can we expect this OFFICIAL definition to be written in stone, or since it's the Internet, in zeros and ones?

I am happy in that the adjectives I've read over the years and in this thread that apply to a OWW don't apply to me, knowing that I'm not a OWW. Perhaps those who use the adjectives can find the percentage of people who fall into the OWW category and I'll help with opposition.

I proposed during the 1st meeting, will be married 6 years in soon, and I guess it was that waiting period that took me out of the OWW category. That waiting period occurred because of the time required to be off work that I didn't have and getting married in Russia. After I got married 6.5 months after the proposal, I had to wait for the K3 approval, which took almost a whole year. My wife didn't come to our home until almost 2 years after the proposal.

Although the OWW term was originated because of me, I've been told I can't be a OWW. So, we have the definition and there should not be any more thoughts about "What Is A One Week Wonder."

[GQBlues]

Markus-

Wouldn't it be prudent to believe that the fact KenC coined the phrase to specifically describe your personal case that the term's true definition then be solely attributed to what actualy happened to you?  

edited to add:

The rationality behind this then is, since you proposed marriage on your first meeting, regardless on when you actually married her, deductive reasoning will have it that OWW will then be understood as someone who proposed marriage in their first visit - exactly like you did.

No?!?

[Markus]

Markus-

Wouldn't it be prudent to believe that the fact KenC coined the phrase to specifically describe your personal case that the term's true definition then be solely attributed to what actualy happened to you?  

edited to add:

The rationality behind this then is, since you proposed marriage on your first meeting, regardless on when you actually married her, deductive reasoning will have it that OWW will then be understood as someone who proposed marriage in their first visit - exactly like you did.

No?!?

Yes prudence would think so, but even in this short thread, prudence or just actually reading the words of other posters says otherwise. Consider the following quotes, first of Daveman (he's a Moderator too).

From my perspective, the OWW moniker belongs to those who follow a path such as what I stated in another thread from a while back related to "methods of learning"

"... One Week Idiots who actually do spend a week with a woman, have some kind of penilary vaginalistic compatibility, run home and file the K-1, get married (to strangers), and wake from the dream to discover the nightmare of Dante's Special Circle for Fools, Idiots, and Other Moronic Entities... "

But, on second thought, those would be the One Week Idiots.. or OWI's, the OWW's would be the ones who got lucky and just happened to also be compatible with a woman not only chosen in a one week visit, but married, etc... and are still "happily" together some years later, after they can communicate, etc... THAT's a real wonder...

I still think the OWW moniker for Markus (when he wore it) was a misnomer. 

Emotional Moderator Daveman says, "I still think the OWW moniker for Markus (when he wore it) was a misnomer."

Next with Kenc who coined the term:

As the person who coined the phrase, I agree with this definition.
KenC

Kenc is agreeing with Sandro's definition, which is
OWW: One-Week Wonder, a WM proposing marriage to an FSUW during their first face-to-face meeting (often lasting about 1 week)

What Dave admitted above Kenc has also admitted in previous threads. We could go back and search this board but Kenc told me I was not a OWW. That's why I changed my name on this board. I thought I was a OWW, but apparently not. I asked Kenc this question:

Kenc, you definitely coined the phrase. But, you told me later that I was not a real OWW because I waited so long to get married. Are you changing your original thoughts?
Kenc responsed, "Not really as it WAS appropriate for the facts you offered at the time."

You see, he had "some" facts at the time but learned later I drug my feet on the process, not intentionally, but because of what I described above. So, my OFFICIAL definition still stands.

[GQBlues]

Good explanation, Markus.

But allow me to first say before you were "Markus" or "OWW" you were 'JMark' on another board (which I thought, and still do, was the better of the names you had), and that was a time when I first came on that board and you were in the midst of some fairly serious exchanges with some posters (which included 'jb') for reason I no longer remember. I even sent you a consolatory PM as you seemed fairly po'd at the time about whatever it was that was going on. So I mean no disrespect for having this exchange with you now.

Having said that, if I understood this correctly, the intent behind coining the original phrase "One Week Wonder" as defined by Sandro and validated  by KenC, have solely to do with proposing marriage on the first meeting (and does not give any consideration to the period of engagement) and oftentimes within the first week.

But you feel it doesn't really apply to you on the basis that despite proposing on your first meeting, it took you a long time to actually get married. Which KenC may have implied to be the case for de-classifying you as one because of it (?).

  Hhhhmmm, must be my accent.  

[CanadaMan]

This is a somewhat interesting if not trivial discussion.

I'm not sure why a 'locked in' RWD definition is really necessary?

It seems like Markus may be insecure with his having been labeled a OWW at some point in time?

I would tend to agree that a OWW technical definition should not include those who married weeks or months after proposing on the first visit.
The reason is simple. A OWW implies that the parties have not given much thought to the repercussions of marrying after such a short period of face-face time (one week).

Going back and having weeks or months to reflect on what may have been a knee-jerk reaction proposal at the time, obviates the "wonder" of a OWW.

[Daveman]

Emotional Moderator Daveman? heh.. now what's that supposed to mean?  At least it does have a pretty cool sounding abbreviation E.M.D. 

The reason I think OWW doesn't actually apply to Markus..

From January 2008:

...


Here's what I see.. I think there's a lot of joy in ruffling feathers because of past confrontations with some members.. however... let's take a look at what was said in that Great Debate thread some months ago... this is the basic synopsis that I gathered from various posts in that thread.

1) He gets in contact with a woman with little English skills, but communicates with her through translation for a few months prior to the first visit.
2) He visits her and they communicate through translators and translation devices
3) He proposes marriage and she accepts.
4) he returns home
5) He does not file for K-1
6) They continue communication while she completely busts her ass studying English
7) Their relationship grows over time through communication and multiple visits and face time into real love.
She continues busting her ass studying English and their communication improves even more
9) Approximately 1.5 years after the proposal, He travels to Russia for the marriage, and marries her in Russia
10) she continues busting her ass studying English and even wins some awards for her proficiency
11) somewhere in the neighborhood of the two year mark, she arrives on her K-3 and they officially marry in USA
12) both are still dedicated to making the relationship work, flourish, and grow.

Move step 3 down the list to between 8 and 9 and you have the basic foundation of what the Professionals advise...  granted, they do say men will be much better off narrowing down the search to women who speak better English to begin with, but the basic recipe for higher probability of success is there..

Mark wears The One Week Wonder moniker proudly, but is his case, I still say it's a misnomer.

Whether by accident or forethought, they both put in the time and effort as well as had the patience to allow their relationship to blossom into real love prior to marriage.  The only real difference in his story between the Professionals and his plan is that he proposed earlier than recommended.

Worst case scenario would have been a break-up prior to the marriage and the possibility of losing the cost of a ring, and they had the time to identify an incompatibility prior to marriage which would have caused it.  Back to learning, his scenario does provide a glimpse of a lower risk approach.. all the basics are there.. time, communication, hard work, patience

So, although being quite the vociferous emissary of chain yanking, he still didn't follow the path of the One Week Idiots who actually do spend a week with a woman, have some kind of penilary vaginalistic compatibility, run home and file the K-1, get married (to strangers), and wake from the dream to discover the nightmare of Dante's Special Circle for Fools, Idiots, and Other Moronic Entities...  the One Week Wonder aspect is way overplayed and mostly smoke and mirrors..

Dave

Though it certainly would seem he was taking a chance with a huge risk by proposing early on to a woman he had just met, who didn't share a common language (which is why KenC got on his case.. it DID appear to be a stupid move of a man headed to marriage with a woman he didn't know, with whom he couldn't communicate naturally, etc etc) .. hindsight has proven that he AND she mitigated the risk by taking a very normal approach to the relationship. 

In no way does Markus' story validate those idiots who do marry strangers...  whose stories will one day be told in a thread entitled "It Happened One Day On The Way To A Train Wreck".  His story, early proposal aside, is actually how one SHOULD approach this, IMO.  And Six years later, they're still going strong.

Daveman  E.M.D.

[Jack]

I would tend to agree that a OWW technical definition should not include those who married weeks or months after proposing on the first visit.

Look like many people will have varying opinions.  To me any man who meets a woman for the first time and proposes marriage during the first week of meeting is a one week wonder.

[Gator]

To me any man who meets a woman for the first time and proposes marriage during the first week of meeting is a one week wonder.

Accurate definition. 

KenC's One Week Wonder is a play with the term "90-day wonder."

The 90-day wonder is a military term originally used in WW II.    According to Wiki, it is defined as a Newly-commissioned graduate of Officer Candidate School or Direct Commissioning program  vs. an officer who had graduated from a 4-year military academy.  It was derogatory, yet not as derogatory as "shave tail," an older term originating when America had  calvary.

[CanadaMan]

Accurate definition. 

If a tree falls in the forest and there is no one there to hear it, does it make a sound?
If you propose to your FSU GF in one week but she doesn't accept, is it still a OWW?

[Seeker]

If a tree falls in the forest and there is no one there to hear it, does it make a sound?

Yes, I am so happy, finally an easy question.  Simple physics and philosophy.  The disturbance that made the sound available really happened so the sound did happen, even though there was no one there to hear it.  It is a displacement of air/vibration thing.  And that ties in with the philosopher side... what occurs has really happened and has contributed to the chaos of life.  Even if it is not immediately perceived.  Sound is not just what has been heard by the ears. 

If you propose to your FSU GF in one week but she doesn't accept, is it still a OWW?

Now that is a question for minds bigger than mine.   

[KenC]

If you propose to your FSU GF in one week but she doesn't accept, is it still a OWW?

No.  You tried to be a OWW but were saved from your own stupidity by a much wiser woman. :evil:
KenC

[CanadaMan]

No.  You tried to be a OWW but were saved from your own stupidity by a much wiser woman. :evil:
KenC

Not according to Jack and Gator.

I understand and respect your answer Ken, but Jack's definition makes no mention of the lady's response.

This is getting more complicated as time goes by.

What you are saying is that in order for a man to be a OWW, his lady must be a OWW woman.

This opens up a whole new train of thought.

The term originally conjured up a crazed/whacko/desperate guy acting rather impulsively with his marriage proposal.

But now, according to Ken, one cannot be a OWW by yourself! You need an equally crazed partner!

I personally don't buy that argument.

Now you can see why I used the 'tree in the forest' analogy.

As Seeker astutely pointed out, a set of ears isn't required to validate the tree's making a sound.

In this case, a OWW woman isn't required to validate a OWW man.

[Jack]

Canadaman, if the women does not accept the man's proposal during the first week then he is not a one week wonder. Ken was right on, in this case a much smarter woman protected probably a not so smart man.


If the woman does accept the man's proposal, he is indeed a one week wonder.

[CanadaMan]

Canadaman, if the women does not accept the man's proposal during the first week then he is not a one week wonder...
If the woman does accept the man's proposal, he is indeed a one week wonder.

So to be perfectly clear, your previous definition would be amended as follows:

Original:
To me any man who meets a woman for the first time and proposes marriage during the first week of meeting is a one week wonder.

New:
To me any man who meets a woman for the first time, proposes marriage during the first week of meeting and receives a positive response from this "not so smart" woman, is a one week wonder.

[Jack]

yes, although the lady might be smart, just desperate.

[KenC]

So to be perfectly clear, your previous definition would be amended as follows:

Original:
To me any man who meets a woman for the first time and proposes marriage during the first week of meeting is a one week wonder.

New:
To me any man who meets a woman for the first time, proposes marriage during the first week of meeting and receives a positive response from this "not so smart" woman, is a one week wonder.

Canada Man,
The deciding factor is actually marrying a woman that you do not really know.  Markus, who originated this thread, was the guy that inspired me to coin the term really doesn't "qualify" as a OWW because he made additional trips to spend face time with his now wife.  As I explained, many years ago, I can understand couples starting the K-1 paperwork prematurely with the thought that if "things go as planned" they would follow through with the immigration and wedding.  I hope this clears things up for you.
KenC

[Son of Clyde]

If you want to be technical a one week wonder met and proposed in one week with no previous contact. Like writing to someone on Monday and proposing the following Monday. Maybe it sounds silly but it makes sense to someone who does not know the definition we use.

[Vaughn]

What about a guy who returns home after one week engaged, after having asked
several women, the third or fourth of whom agreed?

Does he get special recognition by title?

[Seeker]

What about a guy who returns home after one week engaged, after having asked
several women, the third or fourth of whom agreed?

Does he get special recognition by title?

OWM....  One week miracle?

[Boethius]

The deciding factor is actually marrying a woman that you do not really know.

You never really know someone until you live with them.

[CanadaMan]

What about a guy who returns home after one week engaged, after having asked
several women, the third or fourth of whom agreed?

Does he get special recognition by title?

Yes, if I've got my RWD terminology straight, the title would be a
WMVM OWW!   

[brave girl]

What about a guy who returns home after one week engaged, after having asked
several women, the third or fourth of whom agreed?

Does he get special recognition by title?

The loser!! :evil:  brave girl