I was about your age when a great love surprised me out of the blue, slapped me upside the face, and rocked my universe. I wasn’t looking for it, it just showed up.

I quite agree with you, though, about the unrealistic expectations we get fed about romantic love.

It just ain’t what you read about in all the best stories. Partnership is a profound human goodness, but it is often as difficult as it is glorious. All the best stories leave that part out, I find.

I’ve spent more of my life single than partnered, and I value both states.

In fact, I might have enough perspective to go out on a limb and say reaching the point you’ve reached now could be an important step toward a solid partnership one day, if that’s ever what you want.