6 is the magic number

He had an early call at work this morning, so he was up by 4:30 a.m.  He had to take a big bag with him, because he is to fly to Minneappolis this evening for his other business. She got up to use the bathroom shortly after and saw him using the computer.  She went back to bed, knowing he would give me the requisite kiss and hug before leaving for business trips that she had become accustomed to.  He complied, as expected, and she mumbled something about loving him, as she coasted on the plane between consciousness and sleepy unconsciousness.  Though she hates spending a night or two alone, she knows the benefits of such trips are insurmountable, and their livelihood is better for it.

Her own alarm went off at 7a.m., the time she now wakes up to make sure she gets in an hour of exercise.  she woke up and stretched her muscles, gathering her bearings.  Sleepily, she padded out through the living room towards the kitchen to get her water bottle.  It was then that she noticed the package on the chair in front of our computer desk.  She stopped and picked up the items and sat on the chair.  The first had a note attached that read "So you can relive each time like it was the first".  After peeling off the note, she saw that it was the DVD version of Beauty Shop, Queen Latifah's awesomely terrible movie.  Of course, the movie holds a special place in her heart because it was the movie they saw on their first date, it was the movie that played when they shared their first kiss, and it was the movie that rolled when she realized that she had met the man she was to spend the rest of her life with.  Her vision became blurry as the tears welled up in her eyes. It was a combination of his getting such a symbolic gift and the fact that the bugger stole her idea.

The next item was another DVD, this one she had spoken about so often, but had no extra money to pick up, having restricted myself to the tighest of budgets.  Dave Chappelle show Season 2. He knew how much she wanted it, so he got it. It is what he does; he just wants to make her smile, because the joy she gets from seeing her smile is beyond anything he can describe.  He understands her pride and understands how hard of an adjustment it is for her to allow someone to pay for things, buy her things, etc.  He knows the only way to make it happen is to surprise her.

The last thing was a card.  The words in the card were so amazingly special and intimate and they caressed her soul, bringing forth a torrent of tears.  She has cried more since being with this man than she has in her adult life and a good 90% of the tears are tears of happiness and joy.  She feels that she has finally found peace and truth and has encountered her destiny. This is the one path she will never steer from.

It really bothers me to read that so many people go through hardships in relationships.  I have been there, more than once, and I know the pain and hurt of betrayal.  I know the pain of neglect.  I know the emptiness of not being loved.  I wish it on no one, not even my worst enemy.  I am, however, absolutely grateful that I no longer have to deal with these things.  I often tell people to go with their instincts, and I believe it is because people ignore their instincts that they end up unhappy.  There is a human disconnect that costs us so much unecessary strife, because we ignore our instincts.  Pollution, red meat, toxins, chemical medications, and other things have contributed to the disconnect that we have from our instinctive spirit. If we had adhered to the voice that told us the he was not "right" or the voice that said "she isn't the one", we could have saved ourselves a lot of heartache.  We second guess ourselves, many times because we want to believe the best in people. 

My instinct was right this time.

Big shout out to everyone in loving relationships.  Kudos to those who have been able to work through problems and issues and continue on in a committed relationship based on love.  I salute the people who are true to their partners, honest, loyal, trustworthy, and respectful.  I congratulate the people who have learned that open, honest communication is the key to maintaining a successful relationship.  I admire those of you who don't give up.

To the men and women out there not fulfilling their end of the deal, I have no respect for you. 

No, I have not been the most perfect partner in the past, and it is because of the things I have done that I can say, it is NOT cool. 

No, it is not o.k. to lie to someone you claim to care about. 

No, it is not acceptable to cheat on your partner (cheating is defined, by me, as engaging in any activity outside of your relationship that you are not comfortable telling your partner.  These include internet conversations, dinners, movie outtings, phone conversations, etc.  If you cannot relay said information to your partner, or include him/her in it, it is cheating!). 

It is not right to treat your partner like a second-class citizen.  You canNOT treat someone like he/she is not a priority. 

If you are unable to give 100% of yourself to someone, you ought to step back and re-evaluate you ability to be involved in a committed relationship.  I had to do that myself, and I know it isn't easy.  You might have to face a lot of demons, issues, and struggles, but you must conquer those before you enter someone else's life with serious intentions. 

If you are not ready, do NOT be so selfish that you risk destroying someone else's faith because of your irresponsibility.

You must go above and beyond anything you already think is good enough.  Shower your partner with compliments.  Cook for your partner.  Encourage your partner with kind words.  Be an understanding ear.  Be honest and forthcoming about your insecurities and vulnerabilities.  Put your pride aside.  Talk openly about marriage, sex, and children.  Discuss the future, and what YOU want.  Listen to your woman/man.  Stop acting according to your friends' advice [they are not in your relationship].  Keep what is private in your relationship between you and your mate.  Spend quality time, no matter what you do with it, spend it!  Know and express when enough is enough. Leave your fears at the door! Act when you know instinctively that it is right, regardless of what society or people around you say! 

That's all I can say about that...

As a side note:

It is the 6th day of October, the 6 month commemoration of our union. I am 26, born on the 6th of April, at 6:34 a.m.  I am 6 feet tall.  I try to eat 6 times a day.  Our combined incomes total 6 figures.  He is one of 6 siblings. Our last names each have 6 letters in them. I'm reaching here, but u get the point lol.