On a great local board in NM
References are made up of many parts, all of which can be confusing to some I'm sure, but it's very simple I assure you're full understanding by the end of this thread.
OK here we go, NO HOLES BARRED. I am not going to give you the pretty story about why we have references... It's not pretty, because one of a few things happens, when you get a bad egg and it's not a happy ending.
REFERENCES : What they mean and to whom : To men they are a key, unlocking just about every door he wishes to knock on in his community. He knocks, she answers, he inquires, she demands a reference. A reference, the one thing that keeps her safe in this world.
She calls his reference, which happens to be a lady of similar age, living in the same community. She gives the details he provided her, and the lady affirms that she does indeed know him, in a very personal way and that he is of no harm to her. CONVERSATION OVER. (Some ladies, chose to keep the conversation going, but most, don't babble.)
The man: Needs references, to prove his character, to prove he is a true participant in the community and not someone looking to infiltrate the country club, so that they can pursuade those there, to commit illegal activities. A reference, is like I said, very simply, a key to any door he wishes to knock on in his community.
The woman: Needs to know that her acccommodations are sought without ill will and with a mind absent of malice. She also needs to be assured that his presense is not a threat to her freedom, from which some will take; after a confusion of wrong doings, seemingly okay, because of the deception at hand.
So for both, the Reference is a key, to open the door to whatever should happen during the meeting.
Without it, women are in danger and men are vulnerable to indecent participants in the community. Bad things happen when references are not given, requested and believed...
If a man does not have any references, he may request a list of alternative requirements that the lady may entertain, to ensure safety.
So bottom line... For those who didnt get that... Men need references to prove to a provider, they are 1) More than likely not going to hurt or harm her in any way... & 2) That he is not some sort of law enforcement, trying to coerse her into doing something that can be misconstrued as intention to participate in illegal activities...
I'm sure that I can speak for all when I say that our local law enforcement agencies are held with the highest respect.