A Blossoming Relationship
We had a bad start involving a turned over dustbin. A few days later, while both of us were guests at a barbecue hosted by a mutual friend, we got along well enough to venture onto a dinner date a few days later and we discovered that we have more in common than what we suspected.We are spending more and more time together and amazingly, we don’t make preset dates anymore. When I want to go somewhere, I simply walk across the road to fetch her and off we go. Likewise, when she wants to do something, she’ll just walk into my place, say so and we do it. Everything happens spontaneously and it is as if we’ve known each other for years, while in fact, it is only a very short time.
Somehow, without even discussing it, we became an item… and all those around us think so too.
The other amazing thing is that, during that barbecue, fairly early on, she mentioned very casually that after her stormy marriage, she will not easily get involved with somebody again and that she needs time and space to get her life back in order. Yet, as we grew closer, not once did she repeat that statement. In fact, I think that I got all the encouragement that a modern and decent woman would allow herself.
With the exception of that ‘horrible’ Yorkshire accent which I sometimes battle to understand (Molly suggested sub-titles ) and her inability to make a decent curry , she is everything I can expect in a woman; she is neat, attractive, sexy, intelligent, affectionate, adaptable, honest, and has many other good virtues. And apart from involving me in her life, she takes an interest in what I’m doing.
She can even bait a fishhook, rack pool balls, and pour a decent brandy. But jokes aside, I could very easily fall in love with her; if I’m not that already but still in denial. But even if I’m not in love with her, I’m very fond of her and I don’t really care what we do, as long as she enjoys it as well.
Yet, the future is unclear. She has to work another two years before she can retire with a decent pension and that is where the uncertainty starts. What will happen then? During our conversation at that first barbecue, she also mentioned that she is considering going back to the UK. Now, that is the one topic that I have avoided since and she did not bring it up either.
I don’t want her to go back but I cannot see my way open to influence her to stay. I feel that she has to make up her own mind; for if things go sour later, as they often do, she’ll tell me that I told her to stay. I know that I should grab the bull by the horns and ask her if she was serious about going back - and I would; if only I knew what to do if she still planned to return to her country.
Do I enjoy it while it lasts or do I take a smaller knock now to avoid a bigger knock later?
For those who don't know how this started, look at this.
Comments (67)
We over-think relationships constantly.
We worry and plan for a future which may never happen, yet waste time not enjoying the present which is here.
So live for the moment, and leave the future take care of itself.
Cape diem.
Hmm, I suppose a lot can happen in two years.
And I'd you ask her now, you are pressuring her into making a decision. Just go with the flow, and enjoy each day as it comes.
Yes, its true but I still think I should know what her plans are.or at least if she is still considering it, I think I deserve to know as it will have an impact on how I approach the relationship, If it is not going to survive, I must treat it as such.
But nothing lasts forever, no matter how much we plan for it.
And often we lose out on enjoying the present whilst trying to plan for a future we have no control over either way.
How are we today?
Okay, I'll probably end up doing more work around the house than if I were at work, but it's still great to be off.
Stupid tablet
Oh and don't forget to prop your feet up while sipping your cocoa
I am veering towards the baking, but I think that is probably just me trying to put off the cleaning
what do you plan to bake? Jim and I are still on a hype after Wednesday's sortie; we're looking for another place to hit.
Blue skies and sunshine.
Because I am so far south, we don't really get snow. But I believe snow fell in the north of the country last night alright.
For a small country, we have totally different climates north and south.
Here in Capetown we don't have to go far to get climatic changes. We often get four seasons in a single day.
It sounds good. Bake a lot.
And we don't steal! We merely relieve people of what may be harmful to them. Like you health cookies. It is not always good for your health to be healthy.
She has doubts, fear and uncertainty due to past experience but a confident man with good intent who cares for her can change all that
He can be subtle, romantic, charming and persuasive hence the lady in question will find him irresistible
The garden route is a must.
A wine route? There must be at least a hundred, probably more, wine cellars within 30 km from where I live. Every 2nd or 3rd Saturday four of us (plus wives and girlfriends) hit a different cellar. You pay an entry fee, sit and taste all their wines and buy a few bottles or a case of what you like. If we don't like the wines, we just move off to another cellar.
Forget about joining a tour group. Get yourself lodgings at the right place, get a map showing all the cellars, hire a car and do it at your own pace. You cannot go wrong.
It's easy to sweep her off her feet; i think I have done that but it will be of no use if she feels that she must return home. I don't know what is waiting for her back in the UK. No, I don't mean an old flame, thinking more in the line of family. She had no children with her South African husband but there is a son (34) from a first marriage back home. I don't know how close they were and I don't know if they have contact. She does not talk much about him.
By the way, She has been in SA for just over 20 years.
So you see, I know very little about he past. I think this is one of the reasons why we're getting on so well. I'm not questioning her about her past, satisfied with what she tells me as slowly opens up.
that's right but I'm not getting any younger. My family is very long living and I expect to live another 30 years but I'm running out of time and I want to settle some time or the other.
That is why we do it in such a large group. One guy has a VW Mini bus and we make turns. every time one of us may not drink. And some of the wives /girlfriends also help.
Why do you say I'm not focused on the matter?
But it sounds like you re enjoying yourself in the meantime, take it slow, and see what happens. Good Luck to you there Bud,
the one thing I see in your post that caught my eye the most was her retirement pension, I hope this can be worked out that she does not jeopardize it in anyway.
Happy for you my friend
Things Take Time!
Just go with the flow! Live day by day, step by step. Eventually You All Will Be Talking About It. If she will stay there or be leaving ( If You Do Not Mess It Up!)
Two years from now, is a long ways from now. But! Closer then you think.
And besides! If you two are still together, and she still wants to go back to the UK! Hey, If she will let you! Go with her.
Again! Step by. Stop rushing things! Letting your mine wonder.
Are you thinking about marriage already? Awwl you go boy.....
hmm! Is this the young lady that though you was homeless?!
...... got dog!
I'm Over Here!
Caught Me!....... If You Can.......
Love You! Much
You know where I am
No, i don't think her pension will come into the fray. Bear in mind that she does not have to retire in two years. That is only when she becomes eligible for retirement. She is a very youthful 58 (I though she was 15 years younger) and she may well opt to work on another few years if she should decide to stay in SA.
Emigrating is not an option for me. I looked at it a few years ago. Whereas I have a comfortable life here, I will live in poverty in the UK. The exchange rate will reduce my assets to nothing. And this will affect her pension as well. i hope she considers that before she goes back. Actually, I think she'd be very silly to go back unless there is somebody in the UK to support her.
When I Get The Time, I Will Call You Tonight! ....
The North of England is much cheaper to live in than the South anyway. Houses are only a fraction of the price.
So she would not need anyone to ' look after' her.
And tested of course. Just to ensure it is fit for human consumption yanno
you mean I got glad for no reason.
but I still think she'd be silly to go back when she's got me.
Sorry. I am vain again.