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4.15.2013

things i wish people had told me a really long time ago


1. on that moment someone says to you it'll come when you least expect it:

(or, another favorite, when you stop looking).

these expressions are the equivalent of someone saying it'll be in the last place you look, when you've lost something.

which is to say, correct. but also asinine.

of course it's the last place you look. which might also be the first, and how can both those things be true? it might also be the second place you look or the four-hundred-and-sixty-third place. there's no telling.

2. when someone asks why you didn't like a particular man who had great affection for you, your response need be nothing more than a simple because.  

because. period.

one word.

that response is wholly enough. affection given freely (which is the only way it can be given) does not mean you must reward it or reciprocate it. hell, you don't even have to be flattered by it.

but if that word alone does not suffice, how about this: because i didn't. 

because because.

because i didn't like his laugh and i didn't like his smell. because at the end of our third date my only thought was please don't let this man kiss me, please don't let him touch me. 

the body knows. it always knows. and it'll tell you. but you have to listen.

a man's affection (or rather, any romantic partner's affection) is a starting point. a fork in the road. the absolute minimum of what must be expected. and if you choose to walk in the other direction, so be it. a man's affection is not a life raft, nor is it a fainting couch on which to collapse. to accept or not is your choice. and you need not explain that to anyone.

3. sometimes you just need someone to pass the lonely with.

and that is okay.

affection can be real and true and good and going absolutely nowhere.

some men will highlight your loneliness. draw attention to it, make it worse. their hand on your knee a distancing thing. and some men will raze that loneliness with a single glance. these are the men who will reveal themselves as home in the span of a night--in the length of time it takes to drink a glass of wine. these are the men who you will move mountains for--they are rare and remarkable and between the two of you a sort of alchemy takes flight.

and then there are the men who you want to kiss--the men you want to adore, but will never fall in love with. so kiss them. and go to breakfast with them. let them buy you dinner. take them to the movies and ruin summers with them.

people speak in directives about love. love entirely or not at all. take the whole of it or none of it. nothing in between.

but the thing is, sometimes the in-between is really good. it  is something-else-entirely and sometimes something-else-entirely is entirely right. for a time, it is entirely right. rich and fertile practice ground. a meaningful passing of the time.

sometimes something-else is the comfort of a man’s arm wrapped around you—the immediacy of its warmth and touch, but nothing else. it is not home and it is not the promise of home. but it is nonetheless healing and restorative. and it is your choice.

and that's okay.

man, i wish someone had told me it was okay a good long while ago.

you do not have to live your life according to the prevailing opinions about love and making a life. you have only to be ruthlessly honest with yourself about what it is you want and what it is you'll accept one-day-at-a-time.


19 comments:

Sam | ashore said...

One of my very wise friends in Massachusetts said recently "were old enough now that we don't have to give a reason when we don't want to do something." That applies to people too.

Angela said...

Every time I stop by your little corner of the Internet I feel like you are able to read my mind and write something to make me feel less alone.

I understand you, keep the good words coming :)

Nicola said...

Exactly this.

ruthpclark said...

That #3 is gold. Gold. Thank you for that.

Heather said...

#2, yes, yes.

Anonymous said...

#3 guys can teach you oh so much about relationships, yourself, what you can and will compromise on, and what are deal breakers. #3 guys are some of the best, in my opinion!

Lisa said...

Preach.

xo Lisa
Making Life's Lemons

Shawnee said...

"Because."

quite perfect. thank you. ah, Meg, adoring your insight and thoughts and declarations, as always.

thank you for sharing - you have helped me, at least.

BREI said...

Seriously had this conversation Thursday night!
Really, didn't think I was looking and to be honest I don't expect it. LOL told my friend I was going to punch the next person that told me that.

Unknown said...

<3

(refers to all three... but especially 2)

Leah said...

'a man's affection is not a life raft, nor is it a fainting couch on which to collapse.'
love this and the freshness of 'something-else-entirely'.

Cass Jordan. said...

Thank You for writing this post...I needed it...I needed to hear Your words...I needed someone to say this out loud...Thank You! Xxo.

VB said...

As always, so beautifully written...

And *exactly* the things I need to be reminded about at this moment. Thank you!

Unknown said...

Perfect words. Thank-you!

http://ells-and-bells.blogspot.com.au/

Unknown said...

Absolutely beautiful. I wish someone had said these things to me earlier too. But late is better than never :)

Sweet Apple Lifestyle

jkissed said...

I really needed to hear #3. Thank you.

Hanis. said...

This is lovely.

Niki said...

I always look forward to your posts.Your blog is by far my favourite, not because you have the most expensive design or the biggest giveaway, but because you write the truth.Something as simple as that.


www.dreamingisbelievingreally.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

truth. it is the most real sentiment i've heard in forever.

thanks for that.

-marie
http://fashionableninja.com