Performer: Genesis
Songwriters: Tony Banks, Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford
Original Release: We Can’t Dance
Year: 1991
Definitive Version: None
Although the disadvantages are obvious, there can be advantages to being in a long-distance romance. At least there are for me.
This became clear after Laurie and I began to date in the fall and winter of 2004-2005. I was still trying to figure out my next move in life, and everything was up in the air, so I had lots of free time that could be filled by spending time with someone new.
Laurie, however, had a life established in Chicago. She had full-time employment and an acting career and tons of friends. It wasn’t like she was just sitting around waiting for me to come along, you know.
When we started to date, she made it clear that she wanted to go slow. In fact, after the first time we got together, she didn’t even want to talk for a week before she decided whether she wanted to get together again. Even though I had the ability to be in Chicago every weekend, we typically went three or four weeks between visits.
The good part of this was that it forced me to be cool—to put her in a separate compartment as soon as I hit the Lake Shore and start focusing on what I needed to do when I got home. So, I couldn’t rush things even if I wanted to and potentially mess everything up by showing too much eagerness too soon—one of my unfortunate specialties.
I wasn’t listening to this song at the time, but I had it running through my head all the same. When we would converse or exchange an email, I’d put out something positive to show interest, like saying I was looking forward to seeing her again, but I would hold something back, such as adding that I wanted it to be soon.
It worked, not only because we’re together now, but also because I didn’t lose my sanity during that time.
melty smile...
ReplyDelete