Far and Away

I am really growing to like this guy @CheerBear and although we haven't met yet the conversations have been lovely. I will keep you informed how it goes too - knowing you have navigated this yourself after a lot of tricky it would be wonderful to have your input here CB. ...can only take it how it comes and see what happens hey!

Off to chemist and Bunnings now - gonna take Toby for a drive too - catch you later Hon

So fab that you're feeling good about this and enjoying it so far @Zoe7. Lots of questions but will be guided by you here with this one.

Doing the whole he-person-in-my-life wasn't something I wanted, was looking for or expected, but for the most part I think it's been good. I haven't regretted that I took that step and think I've at least grown in ways through it. My psych thinks it is great "from a clinical perspective" (I roll my eyes at him and his clinical-ness sometimes 😉) as he said it is like my own version of exposure therapy. I've definitely had to manage and navigate plenty of tricky and triggers while getting to know him but have successfully done that (mostly) so far. Like you, taking it as it comes too.

Hope you enjoy your time out. The crew and I are heading out for a while also. It's a lovely sunny afternoon here.

😊😊😊😊 (⬅️ that's the yay, butterfly-ish, warm fuzzies feels for and with you!)

Ask away if you have questions @CheerBear I can answer what I can. ...and yes there is a lot of tricky to navigate - mostly my own insecurities and feelings that I am finding hard myself to get around. There is so much 'history' that affects any kind of relationship with anyone - even just frienship and especially anything with a guy - and I honestly don't know if I am open to that either. For now it is just seeing where this leads and hoping that any timeframe for connecting can stay with me and we work on whatever this is from there. It has been a long, long, long time since I even contemplated something like this and it does feel a bit strange that I am even chatting to him - but there are things we have in common and I do like that. It doesn't hurt that he seems to be a really nice guy too

I suspect @Faith-and-Hope is reading this and wishing so much she could respond too - it is one of those things that I certainly would love her input in also so keeping you both in the loop going forward. What will be will be...

Hi Hon - I can see you there @Faith-and-Hope I bet you have many questions you would love to ask but can't - I can't wait for you to come back so I can chat with you about all this - and I should know what school I am going to in the next couple of weeks (hopefully) so there is a lot happening for me and I so wish you were here with me. It would also be lovely for other members to have you back - you are certainly missed here.

I'll tell you what I know about this guy @Faith-and-Hope @CheerBear

He is a year younger than me and is really into his music - he has posted some of his original songs online and he is really talented. He also loves to paint and does large stencils - all around he is quite talented. He loves the beach so that is a big tick. He is currently painting his house to sell but not sure what his plans are after that happens. He has a 20 year old daughter who lives in Sydney so although they are in constant conatct he doesn't see her much. He seems quite gentle in the way he talks (I know you can't really determine that by text but his messages have all been nice). He is a pretty straightforward type of guy and I like that - no messing around or talking around things - he says what he thinks but is also careful not to offend - that is a skill I think,

Yes I am getting to really like him so the next step is to meet up. It does help that my sister went to school with him (same grade) and remembers him as being a nice guy at school - I know that was a long time ago but it is a start. I don't remember him but I don't remember a lot from that time in my life because I have chosen to forget so much. The 'bad' stuff of course sticks with me though. I will keep you both updated as to how this progresses (if it does - who knows it may fizzle out but just the fact that I am even considering this situation is HUGE!).

Of all things @CheerBear it came about because we have mutual friends on FB - mostly for me parents of kids I have taught and friends of friends but connected that way. It started off that I accepted his friend request because we did have so many friends in common and then he messaged me - it really just went from there. Who would have thunk - 2 years ago I didn't even have a FB account lol

I am feeling okay about possibly meeting him - even a bit excited (yes I did just write that lol) - it is all very hard also because I know that any form of relationship is difficult for me so needing to take this very slowly and see if he sticks around - he has done so far I suppose.

...and yes I would love to have our @Faith-and-Hope here for all this - I really miss her but you are helping soooo much CB and that is filling that gap a little - we both know that those special relationships we have on here are gold so thank you for being here for me.