Unlikely Story

by Ali Rosen

But then as adults we get better at camouflage. We learn how to redirect so we don’t have to always feel so deeply. We comport ourselves so we can live in a world of adult feelings and expectations.

We don’t need to get everything from one person, but a true partnership shouldn’t ever feel lonely because you should naturally be yourself in it. Vulnerability is the antidote to loneliness. If you’re feeling disconnected from your partner, there’s some part of you that’s holding back. So my advice was to either try to open up to the partner or—if that feels impossible—to let the relationship go.”

It’s one thing to decide you’re in a rut and need to do something about it. It’s another thing to know what actually to do.

I hate that I always do this. I soften; I shrink myself; I give in just to make things less unpleasant for everyone.

“I’m scared to lose this one easy, happy thing I have,” I admit. “I know,” she says kindly. “But having something halfway also isn’t fulfilling. So don’t keep yourself in a holding pattern.”

that that kind of perfect acceptance is impossible to maintain when faced with actual humanity.”

afternoon meandering