h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

So you realise that the Great Romantic Myth doesn't really happen, and that there isn't just One True Soulmate out there for you.

And so you love the one you're with. And are honest about what you feel is lacking from the relationship. Your partner tells you that you're being unrealistic. Your best friend tells you that you're "settling" (an not in a good way...)But you can see the good bits, and know that every relationship is valuable even if it isn't permanent.

What happens then when you DO meet someone who takes your breath away, who DOES give you all the things you want in a relationship and more, who IS Not Like the Others?

If I'd waited for 'The One', I'd still be single. Hubby isn't tall, dark, handsome and rich. He'd be the first to admit he isn't as intelligent as me in terms of IQ. But we love each other and we make each other laugh and *that*, as far as I'm concerned, is the main thing. Oh, and we haven't had a row over anything important in the 17 years we've known each other. That's not to say we don't have 'heated arguments', but they're never over matters that affect our relationship, like money, housework, how one of us spends our time... Thinking about it, maybe hubby *is* 'The One' - he just doesn't fit the stereotype.

In my youth, Mum would tell me, "Don't wait for the handsome knight on a white charger. They don't exist." She was right. So if somebody wants to wait for 'The One', they can go ahead. But they shouldn't be surprised to find they're still single when they hit 60.

*sigh*

I'd be happy with a "Mr Right Now" at the moment

My grandma always told me that there is a "The One" on every continent. I think the point she was trying to make is that you can always find someone that fits if you’re not too picky. She also told me that no matter whom I chose I would be as happy as I could be. Again the point being it’s the attitude you develop towards the person you are with that really determines how successful the relationship is. Mind you, my Grandma is a woman who regards men, cars and doctors as a "necessary evil". So I try to make sure I am not fixating on finding "The One" (which by the way sounds rather Matrix-y) on this continent until I have actually met everyone on this continent. But when I find him !

>> What happens then when you DO meet someone who takes your breath away, who DOES give you all the things you want in a relationship and more, who IS Not Like the Others?

In my case?

You crash and burn because love is not always, and then you write entries like this. girl, and go for it.

B

"...because love is not always *enough*..."

(Or "...not always 'happy ever after'..." - take your pick).

It doesnt have to be "happily ever after". And it doesnt always have to be "enough". Some times you can just be happy knowing that there is another person who at the end of the day likes you alot more than anyone else you've met that day. And that you like alot more than anyone else you've had to deal with during the day.

My point exactly!

A good crash and burn is fun to do every once in a while. Out of this world prior to the crash. Plumbing the absolute depths after. But just think, with each good crash and burn we earn the right to tell another “story” or give out another bit of advice to the novices in the game of “luv” who think they are still looking for "the one". Meanwhile everyone has to find that right person or time in their life when it feels safe enough to trade in your crash helmet for an apron.

Don't know if anyone saw "Eastenders" last nightPat walked away from Frank and he said "Pat, babe"
"For Chrissakes Frank, I'm 62 years old, I'm nobody's Babe"
"You'll always be MY Babe, to the end of my days ...and beyond" and a tear came to her eyes and I started to blubber too.

Awww... didn't see it, but your description brings a tear to my eye too.

Maybe that's what we all want - to be someone's babe, till the end of time.

My other alf calls me babe (but also uses this term of endearment to his son, and ocassionally to his cat )