When I first met you, I was blown away by your beauty. I had never seen anything quite like you, and you awakened something within me that I didn’t even know existed. You expanded my horizons, and I felt as if I had arrived. It was meant to be, and I knew it. Shame and anxiety dissipated because nothing else mattered. There was nowhere else to be. Nothing else to do. I didn’t notice, or I ignored, anything suboptimal about you. The possibilities and moments that took my breath away outweighed anything else. It was a whirlwind romance.

 

We spend some time apart, but I still held you in my heart. I put you away, but, deep down, I knew that we would reunite one day. It was a long distance relationship, and I continued living my life and trying to act like I didn’t miss you like crazy. Years passed before I had the chance to revisit you. Upon return, you were just as astounding as I had remembered. I had worked on myself, so I had developed a deeper appreciation for you, noticing more of your qualities and quirks. Once again, I was swept away by you. It was more intimate this time, though. Same feelings, different experience. 

 

I started to turn away. Growing tired, I wished for some time to myself. I left you again, but it wasn’t for long. Destiny drew us back to one another. I was more independent and in control. There were more expectations and responsibilities, and it was overwhelming. As a result, my shame and anxiety reappeared. I started to wonder “What if I’m not meant to be with you? What if I’m not cut out for this? What if I’m not exactly where I’m meant to be, doing exactly what I’m meant to be doing?” I began to notice all of your downfalls and the ways that you could do me harm – burn me, wreck me, suck me dry. In attempts to protect myself, I started to complain, defend, and even considered breaking up with you. I am so glad that I didn’t.

 

You taught me to compromise, how to navigate your grooves, and make adjustments. I developed a more well-rounded, grounded view of you, and I grew – as an individual, a teammate, and as a partner. I learned what it meant to love, and truly love – unconditionally. And it all starts with acceptance. It’s a commitment and a choice to take the bad with the good. We help each other grow while allowing one another to stay wild. I’m so relieved that our relationship has evolved. Without you, I wouldn’t be who I am today, and getting to know you is one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.