Adventures in GALing

[AntoniaB]

Thanks Brookie and Renee--you know Renee I have the same mindset--I know that it's probably somewhat likely I'll "find" someone someday, but I'm really growing to accept the concept of not having someone romantically in my life. I don't honestly think I'll get married again and it's darn near impossible for me to visualize living with someone. It would have to be someone who really didn't threaten my growth and need to be self-sufficient/independent/do my own thing. It's funny I've met a lot of women who ended up becoming my friend in bars/restaurants, but not men. I met this guy in a very different venue and he is a friend of a friend, and most people tell me that's how they ended up meeting a significant other.

I think one of the tragedies of losing your spouse in the way we've lost ours is that it really does kill your belief in the long-term. I mean, I have no problem seeing that friendships come and go as people change, and I used to think marriages/romantic relationships were bound to be very different, but I don't believe that anymore. It seems like a romantic relationship that's going to last "forever" is one where the two people have to be very willing to grow and change alongside one another and I know few if any couples where that has been the case. The thing is, it's not like I'm still friends with those I was close to 10, 20, 30, or more years ago. People just seem to drift apart. So my concept of a relationship now pretty much assumes that whatever happens, it's not going to last.