Textbook Definition: The demand for a product becomes more elastic over time when individuals have more time to find substitute products.
She-conomic Definition of the Second Law of Demand: Assuming that nothing external occurs to continually shift out her demand for marriage to Elder "John," Mary's demand for marriage to her missionary becomes more elastic over time, as she "waits for him" in Provo, becomes more open to dating, and discovers substitute boyfriends in the months following Elder John's departure to South America. Also note: John may also grow less fond of Mary over time as proselyting, service, and the fascinations of the Amazon divert his attention and act as "substitute" goods for marriage to Mary.
I don't mean to bring up a sensitive subject, since I'm sure many of you have been seriously hurt by Marys (or the male equivalent). That said, I wonder how much the Second Law of Demand explains entry and exit of participants in relationships? This begs the question of what men and women can do to avoid the temptation of "substitution" (ahem, cheating? adultery?) in relationships. More on this later.
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