Year: 2013
bookmark_borderLots of new things
There are many different types of relationship, many different ways those relationships function, and many different forms the dynamic takes between two or more people.
At present, for these things are prone to change, I’m lucky enough to be in a relationship with a woman who shares my views on these things. We’ve both been in monogamous relationships in the past (which wasn’t a bad thing), but looking to the future we are currently in an open relationship, free to see other people, and believe that it is possible to have:
more than one intimate relationship at a time with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved… [polyamory]
I’m lucky enough to know some people already in such a relationship and as I discover more and more about being polyamorous, the happier and more content I seem to be. It’s not always easy, being completely honest and owning your emotions (all of them, even those icky ones that no-one likes) is harder than it sounds.
One way to make it easier is to put aside the theory and engage in this lifestyle choice, which is where I am just now. It doesn’t actually make it easier, of course, but at least my understanding of what it means to be in more than one romantic relationship now has a basis in reality.
It’s all still very new, and it’s surprising at times just how many things, simple things you hadn’t even considered, need to be thought about and discussed but, so far so good.
I’m now lucky enough to be in two relationships.
bookmark_borderReading
bookmark_borderReading
bookmark_borderReading
bookmark_borderSlowly Happy
It feels a bit like a long slow ascent, floating higher and higher above the ground. Everything seems to be changing perspective, as I drift over ground previously covered and onwards to new pastures.
The benefits of this extra distance are obvious. I can see the connections better, the well trodden pathways and places I’ve spent some time are clearly defined, but as I float away the detail matters less and less and, instead, I’m left with the impression of them.
It’s a strange feeling to slowly realise that you are changing. The first half of the year is over and looking back, whilst I didn’t realise it at the time, I’ve learnt a lot about myself, about who and what I am and I think, finally, I’m starting to accept myself for myself.
I’m flawed, imperfect and not yet finished. And so it will remain.
I’m trying to be better in subtle ways, trying to make myself happy, and more and more I’m succeeding. It’s one thing having moments of happiness but it’s quite another to realise that it’s a default position, even if it’s realised more as contentment it’s much more preferable to me than my (previous) normal pessimism.
It’s been so gradual that I’ve barely noticed at times. No matter how much I may say it to others I think these subtle shifts in our self are harder to register and it’s only when looking back that you can see where you’ve been.
Of course a large part of this is that I don’t look back as often as I used to. The past is the past for a reason. I’ve learned from it, painfully at times, but I am where I am today and the only way is forward.
Ahhhh such are the ramblings of insomnia. Lying awake in the half-light, pondering my life and realising just how good it is, how blessed I am and how, fundamentally, I am happy. Consistently happy.