Blindsided

I'm not sure when it happened but over the course of the last few months, I realised that I had developed feelings for her. Feelings, that cannot be reciprocated (what other kind is there?)

Of course, all this has been accompanied by yearning (yearning!), inane preoccupation ("I think about her all the time"), and the sudden development of an inability to see imperfection and fault (infatuation is funny that way--she can be rude, crude, aloof and downright inaccessible yet she is perfect).

I'm not even sure what were the triggers. Her perfume? Her weak smile? Her indifference? Her vulnerability or my own?

Such is life.

The R's of A Relationship

Responsible. Reliable. Responsive. Respectful. Resourceful.

Understanding the importance of and applying the R's will ultimately determine the success or failure of your relationship. In a relationship, realise that there are three parts: you, me and us--the individual parts are as important as the whole such that communication, negotiation, understanding, sacrifice and selfishness will always come into play.

Responsible. Are you able to meet the obligations of the relationship? What are your expectations? Your partner's?

Reliable. How dependable are you when a relationship need arises. (Needs can range from the mundane to crisis situations.)

Responsive. How long does it take for you to react/respond to the needs of your partner or the relationship? (Delay in responding typically leads to misunderstanding and conflict.)

Respectful. Recognise and understand individual and relationship boundaries. Consider the needs of your partner. Value your partner and the relationship.

Resourceful. Utilise your strengths, creativity and initiative to deal with problems, conflict and pursuit of relationship goals.