Looking back

Someone I *know* in cyberspace has recently ended a relationship, and of course because I'm an admitted slight self regarding person, it makes me remember...

Before Billy (obviously) I dated a guy, we'll call RC, for about 3 years. He was fun, and somewhat interesting, but I always knew (and not that) deep down that the relationship would go nowhere.

Probably the thing that bothered most (oh, and there were many things...) was that I would call him at work at say 2pm on a Tuesday, and ask if he wanted to come over for dinner that night. He would always, after about 6 months of us dating, be slightly annoyed and tell me that he didn't know 'what was going on that night' as it was only 2pm, (on a Tuesday mind you...) and he hadn't talked to any of his friends yet. (Most of his friends partied every night, so they didn't get 'up' until 5 or 6pm.)

I put up with in the sense that I told myself to be more easy going and take things as they come, but let me tell you, it made me feel pretty bad. I felt at the bottom of the pile, last in line behind the waitstaff at the bar...

He never wanted to make any plans, be it seeing a movie, going bowling or especially go on vacation. I was his last choice if there was nothing else happening. I would literally have to 'bribe' him to do anything fun by offering to pay, despite the fact that he made about 3 times what I did. (See, he spent most of his money partying with his friends...)

It makes me mad to think now what I put up with then... what a waste of time, money and effort. Ew!

When I started to date Billy, it didn't begin in the traditional sense, but he sincerely jumped at the chance to spend time with me. Immediately he planned a vacation for us. He would do things like buy me a frying pan, just because he noticed that I needed one. He would ask me what I was doing that night, because he wanted to come over and make me dinner... I felt, (and still feel) adored, wanted, even needed. Completely opposite from how RC made me feel, (as much as one person can make you feel... let's not get too philosophical here...) and exactly how every woman wants to feel (me thinks anyway...).

So when it finally ended with RC, I felt a sense of relief, the opportunity for me to rediscover who I was (yes I know that is cliche and cheesy...), and quite unexpectedly I found the best thing that has ever come into my life.

In closing I'd like to thank RC for releasing me from the low self esteem and dejection I felt, and helping me realize a truly fantastic man, and how a woman should be treated. Good luck DD, you deserve the best!