It's that time o'year, but strangely, this is about the first in a decade where I haven't had some insane crush on a fool.
Okay, yeah, I still think the guy at work is cute, and find that some of my friends are completely and totally righteous, but I can't say that I can't sleep at night for thinking of someone else. It's a bit of a relief while at the same time being a bit of a bore.
What did you say? Meaningful relationship? Sure. I know that other people have 'em. Unfortunately, I have as much personal proof as I have for aliens, Jesus, Mary and Joseph. I'm nowhere near bitter. But nowhere near convinced, either.
And I wonder if there are hundreds of thousands other people out there who were raised as I was: in a perfect example of true love and a successful relationship shared by their parents. I have examples from thousands of friends and acquaintances that marriage or any other kind of partnership is possible with great love, dedication and yes, hard work. I don't have a rosy image of what love is, and I don't disprespect it either, but I think that, because of the example set forth before me, I have a pretty high bar for others to reach.
It's a kind of transient town that I live in. People come and go very quickly in a University and college environment. There's not much else to offer after the schooling is done, so most leave for larger cities and better jobs. I've been noticing the traits of those that stay, and I'm glad to be part of a smaller community of the steadfast. We're a pretty supportive crew, and as each year passes, we're tighter and stronger together.
I love my friends as I love my family and child. I don't really feel that I need much more. I'm not shutting the door, but I'm not anxiously waiting for the doorbell to ring.
I'm pretty comfortable the way things stand right now.