Back to the Past

Sat around having a bottle of wine with a friend last night.

We got to telling stories. About girls. About college. About college girls.

Suddenly, I realized how long ago all of that was.

I got a tattoo when I first met this friend. We talked about that. That was when I realized that was 14 years ago.

14 years!

After my last long term relationship (before X) broke up, I was single for 5 years. During that time, I was more a slut than someone looking for his emotional mate. It wasn't until I met X that I considered sticking with one girl.

However, there was one. We didn't see each other for a long time, but I remember thinking she could do it. She could be the one.

The problem was it was the first girl after breaking up that I was with. We were only together for about a month. And that was on and off due to me being out of town for some of it.

Anyway, she got too involved too fast for me, and it ended awkwardly. That was 16 years ago.

So, besides 11 years ago when I met X, the last girl I felt like I could have a future with was 16 years ago.

All of it seems like yesterday, but then when you add the years, certain joints start to ache, and I feel like I should put on a cardigan sweater.

Still, sitting around last night was great.

We sat on his balcony until 3 am. The city lights made for a hazy white sky, and it seemed like one of those nights where you talk until dawn before you realize how late/early it is.

Also a staple of first meeting someone who you think you could be with.

Those first night long conversations where everything is shared and all goes great. Do we still do those as older adults? I hope so.

Another friend gave me a compliment yesterday. He found out that I am TA'ing at the studio and told me that he thought that was perfect for me. He said I was funny, which helps to teach comedy, but he also said I had a great energy and charm that could easily motivate people.

He said my energy reminded him of *'s energy. If you recall, * was my college teacher who I fancied a bit of a mentor, and who came out here to visit just before thanksgiving.

That felt great to hear.

I would be happy to be the * to someone's life.