Relationships aren’t easy, or so I thought. Not to say that my current relationship is perfect but it is definitely everything I’ve ever dreamed of. I’ve only been in one other serious relationship in my life prior to this and it wasn’t the best. I was immature and a paranoid wreck. I was always looking over my shoulder and lurking to find something wrong. And when I did find something, I blew it way out of proportion.
After an ugly breakup, I was scared to be in another relationship and worse, knowing that I was the problem. However, after a few months of too much drinking and not eating enough, I decided to pick myself up. I applied for an internship, started working out like crazy, and met someone who changed my mind about relationships.
While still going back and forth with my ex, I met my current boyfriend. As awkward and closed off as I am, he was pretty persistent. We saw each other almost every day, not really doing anything and not really talking to each other either. We basically sat in comfortable silence for a couple of months and the rest, as they say, is history.
But being together for a little over two years, I can see how much I have matured as compared to my last relationship. I don’t text my boyfriend 24/7 or get upset when he doesn’t reply. We both support and encourage each other in whatever we do. We bring out the best in one another.
I also owe our maturity to shared experiences. Spending time together, traveling together, and late night talks about music and alternate universes have pushed us to make the necessary steps forward.
Another good thing that came out of this relationship was getting to know who I am as an individual, without my significant other. I have a sense of what my strengths are and I can make decisions on my own (even if I am still a bit indecisive.)
So, here I am, three years after a bad breakup, a working lady who always tries her best to be mature.
Art by Lara Intong
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