We're past the celebrity baby births and news of Paris Hilton's new hip hop album, leaving only the seas of blood to complete the disaster trifecta, but I'm remaining optimistic because my youngest son has found true love and it's a wonderful thing to see.

James is 13-almost-14 and the change in him has been remarkable. Where once he was mainlining DVDs and living on Long John Silver's while playing Worlds of Warcraft for weeks at a time, now he has let those childish things fade away as he takes that next step towards manhood and focuses with laser-like intensity on the new love of his life: the Xbox 360.

I was astounded when he bought one a few weeks ago, mostly because he had managed to keep from spending any money since Christmas to afford it. This is roughly akin to a tree deciding to save its leaves until spring; James isn't usually aware that he's spending his money. It just occurs, the way a dog sheds. But this time he held onto every dollar with an iron fist, begging to do chores for some extra bucks (while still avoiding the usual chores he ostensibly gets an allowance for, of course) and selling everything he could bear to part with. It was inspiring to watch, and a little frightening.

Finally he was within range and he traded in his old Xbox and his Playstation II — once treasured, now only recyclable plastic — for credit to reach his goal. He watched the salesman bring it to him like a proud groom waiting at the altar. When we drove home he carried his new prize in his arms, cooing to it softly, and since then they've been inseparable. It's sweet to watch, really. I never knew he had such a romantic streak in him.

I'm not exaggerating, here. He's been showing pictures of it to friends. Coming up to brag to me for hours about how great it is. Discarding all the games and accessories from previous, lesser systems. Writing "Xbox 360" on all of his notebooks. Planning for future accessories together. At this point I'm just waiting for him to come up to me, with his Xbox and an awkward expression, and say, "Dad, we have to tell you something. . ."

Still, all in all I have to say this beats a girlfriend for him from any objective standpoint. Cheaper, ultimately; games may be pricy but they can be rented or bought used. He got the game he really wanted, "The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion," on eBay; yes, I tried to explain the ironic appropriateness of using eBay to search for oblivion, but he just looked at me funny. And Xbox Online isn't any more a month than he would spend on cars or dates. Plus, we've had the Safe Gaming talk, so I'm not worried about viruses.

If anything, I'm envious. Did I ever have such a pure relationship? And you have to admit, tossing your old loves up on a counter to get credit towards a new one is pretty cool. Try that with girlfriends and they just get mad at you.

And what can girlfriends give you that an Xbox 360 can't? Speaking for a 13-almost-14-year-old boy, I mean. Adventure, amazing graphics, fast-paced excitement, golfing with Tiger Woods, flying with a WWII squadron. . . who could compete? Besides, in this relationship, he's completely in charge. Few girlfriends let you pause and pick up again later. He can change its face to match his room. He doesn't have to dress up for his Xbox, or even bathe. He can ask for advice from friends that actually works. It doesn't have in-laws to deal with. And the Xbox 360 comes with an instruction book.

All I know is, if some girl ever tries to get James interested in her, she better have a wireless controller.