Coincidence happens. Never being much of a ladies’ man, I’ve had but six girlfriends from past to present. And, sure, I’ve never believed myself to be much of a catch, but I’ve always tried to be a good guy, in and out of these relationships. So I stay in relative contact with all but one of these past girlfriends. (Debbie, if you read this, you can email me.) Two, I am close to still, not including my current, to whom I am enamored. And the other two, I hear from out of the blue every once in a while.
So the sample is small, but I chuckle about the universe and it’s mathematical games, when I find out that three of my past loves have gotten engaged in the past year. It may not seem like much. Marriage is one of those blessed events that bring families together, and none of these weddings are shotgun. (Whew!) These fine women were bound to have a stable, loving relationship apart from me. But the timing of it bothers me, I guess.
Of course, it’s sour grapes. I can barely own a car, let alone ask my girlfriend to join me in holy joint bank accounting. Over the years, these past girlfriends have gotten their lives together, when I’m still thinking to myself, “When the hell will I grow up?” Sigh.
Or, it could just be fear that my time as a swinging single is going fast. Yeah, that’s it.
Still and all, I wish them all the best. These are great people. I still love each one of them. Their futures are brighter because they each have a great guy who will pick them up when they’re down and love them until the end. It’s so romantic. To Michele, Francine, and Jennifer, I raise my mouse in a toast: To love that grows and love that’s past, may you never be without it.
–JR