Relationship Wisdom in Doonesbury

I've been a Doonesbury fan for so many years that I can't even remember. I suppose in real world terms, I am about the same age as most of the core characters. And I lived through much of the same political and social upheaval that gave Trudeau the material he worked with. So it is always enjoyable to find myself again identifying with the situations that unfold.

Over the past week, the series has been following the growing relationship between two of the younger characters (Alex and Leo). The strip on August 13th really struck me.  The back story is simple, Alex was having a "relationship" discussion with Leo and felt they had some sort of breakthrough that led to what Alex considered moving to the "next level." Leo on the other hand, clearly felt uncomfortable with the conversation and direction it was heading.

The message of that strip rang so true with regards to several of my recent attempts to find companionship. I ask for us to be relaxed and let time take its course...what will happen will happen. But all too often I am asked to make a commitment to a future before I hardly know this person. Not always asking me to commit to her personally, but at least a commitment to the concept of being in a serious long term relationship. I am not opposed to the idea of a long term relationship, but I am not about to make it the purpose of my quest for companionship.

So, I wonder, to what extent is this a fundamental difference between men and women? And maybe it has an age component to it. I do date mostly middle-aged divorced women who may be feeling a need for more than a slow, comfortable progression to a lifetime together. Maybe they want that whole package to come to them with a bow tied on it, ready to be opened.
 
Or maybe I have no idea what any of this is all about...and THAT is a distinct possibility.