"But I would remain skeptical. Because, in so many past relationship
scenarios, their goal has been to see me "domesticated." And that
simply is never going to happen. "

Because you learn that real love is not about domesticating or control
or possessing but it is about accepting someone and allowing them the
freedom and even rejoicing in the fact that they live, act, and
experience differently than you do.

bigpappa, love is a mystery...it transforms people...I don't care if
someone only knows you for a day if they feel that reaction, they can
call it love. Maybe they are just aware of their feelings. it didn't
work out with the two I loved but I will never deny that it wasn't love.
And I did love both of them rather quickly, even though I was young and
very afraid the first time and I didn't have the courage to tell him.
That was a long time ago and I still believe it was love.

“The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical
substances; if there is any reaction, both are transformed.”
Carl Gustav Jung

I have only been in love twice in my life and I have been married twice
and they were not the same two men I was in love with. I wanted to
change and control the two I was married to. The two I actually loved I
didn't want to change them or control them but they both had a profound
inpact on me. But it was all about Freedom. When you love someone you
don't want to possess them or control them but to understand them and
then you seek to better understand yourself. That is what love is to me
anyway...Freedom is the truth of love and the beginning of honesty.

andalearriba, this is pretty much where I am at or the conclusion I have
come to...to just go with the flow and let it happen naturally. We all
have fear but we can't let it be our master or we can't let someone
else's fear be our master. Of course, we all are responsible for
ourselves whether we want that responsibility or not and sometimes there
are lessons to be learned.

I am here then gone again. I am doing good...it is going to be
a busy day and I have to wake up at like 4:00 a.m. to get ready to take
my daughter to a dance competition in RI. I don't like driving long
distance or in strange places but that will be the fear I face tomorrow.
Today I will just keep breathing. I'm always happy to see you!

After reading this thread I was left thinking, it seems like One day at
a time is important. I think it is along with trusting yourself and
realizing that there are no gaurantees in life.
We have to take risk...they don't have to be gigantic risk but little
risk each day to keep growing.

Some people spoke of faith and prayer in this thread and I would just
like to add that I believe that fear is the opposite of Love. It hasn't
been the relationship or the person but Love has always made me a better
person. I love the quote in the movie As Good As It Gets when he says
"You make me want to be a better man." But I think it was loving her
that made him want to be a better man.

You can give us a few details. Just something sweet to think
about.

Go get her honey, sweep her right off her feet...that is so romantic in
the movies, and look at you being just as romantic making that sign.
OMG, you guys are going to be in paradise.
And you're making us all jealous....I want my love to make me a sign and
come sweep me off my feet.
Well sooner than later I hope. Have a safe trip and keep in touch and
tell us how romantic it is, would ya?

Hey you, stay cool! I love the sign, how romantic is that?

Thanks Stef, you know sometimes things come up in our private lifes and
we feel we need to take a break but I miss you all.

Bobby, you know the feeling is mutual. You always cheer me up....and
you always know when I need it most. True friends are good like that.

thank you Oceans...you sure have a way with words.

I have to get back in the groove, for sure. It cheers me up just to
your friendly faces.

thank you ladies, I can see that this is a friendly environment with
some cool new people to meet.

Geez, I have been here for a few days and haven't been in the mood for
posting. Most of my friends know that I am here. I am looking forward
to making new friends here and hope to get back into the swing of
posting and having fun with all my friends, new and old.

he was banned because he was really upset and made a post that he was
away for awhile and came back and if all his friends were banned then he
was leaving. He said he would find his friends. I hope he did. But if
he didn't and anyone knows his email please contact him.

I have been wondering where you been so long

Alada you too??? I haven't posted much lately, now I am curious if I go
post if I will get banned??? Well if I do I am in good company here.

Of course!

The gang is all here Katie, I haven't seen that nice guy from Oregon yet
though. Is he here?