Relationship Reality
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Things did eventually find their flow with his family again.
His siblings were always basically accepting of me, and if they weren’t, I never sensed it to any depth. They were as cool as always, and we continued to be around each other without tension though sometimes I could tell that they didn’t know whether to treat me as one of the kids and invite me into their world, or as one of the adults and leave me to be with their parents. Often I was torn between those two worlds too. Though I loved Quinn’s mom and enjoyed our time together, Quinn’s world was more real (as I had come to find out), and I felt more alive simply being in his presence.
Quinn’s dad and I never spoke a single word about Quinn’s and my relationship, so though it was a little weird with him at first, he just seemed to go with it and didn’t make a deal about it. Quinn, his mom and I had a lot in common, especially our love for creating amazing food and exploring artist expression. We played games together, shared many holidays - including my kids, did some family travel, and helped her some with the conference. Having a focus helped to keep the attention off of Quinn's and my intensifying relationship, and on to things more superficial in nature.
I began to realize how shallow my relationships were wrapped up in so much unwitting pretense. It was easy to enjoy for the sake of the moment, though it hindered going deep to discover what true value or dysfunctions lie beneath the surface. I was cracking open in many ways as Quinn showed me that I was safe. And yet I still had so far to go to break through the discomfort of experiencing my own life. Quinn was an incredible example for me, as even when there was so much judgment around us, he never wavered. I realized that the judgment I was feeling from others reflected some of the judgment I had on myself. Not that I felt I was doing anything wrong, but I had questioned whether or not I was worthy of such a blessing.
Stay Tuned for Part 11
