Whirlwind Romance II

Things with R.G. have gone spectacularly well, so much so, that I have that pleasant sense of unease that the more we get to know each other, the more I want to know and the more enthralled I am as I do.

R.G. has turned out to be much like me: we share the same sense of generosity, the same commitment to the important people in our respective lives -- whether family or friends, sense of humor and mutual respect.

I have known R.G. now for about a month. In that time, I have been away for a week in London. During that week, every moment was spent with R.G. on my mind and invading my thoughts. With no doubt, I felt very nostalgic and out of place roaming the streets of London without him. On the return flight I felt this, that the trip would have been so much better had he been there with me, he and I exploring a city together.

Prior to departing to London, I had shopped for R.G.'s Christmas presents. I had felt an immense desire to get him fabulous gifts that showed how much I cherish him. I went on the lavish side and bought him some very thoughtful gifts, reminiscent of conversations or things he had mentioned he liked. When I presented R.G. with his gifts, he decided to put them under this Christmas tree and wait until my return so that we could open our gifts together.

That happened last night. I cannot say how elated I was to see that R.G. had put in very much thought and time into getting me presents. Granted, the purpose wasn't that he should spend money on me, but the fact that he went out of his way to buy me gifts that were well thought out and evocative blew me away. He knew I liked halls mentholyptus, so he got me two packs and wrapped them so nicely; he also purchased some chocolate powder from the shop where we had our first encounter. R.G. made me feel yesterday like the only guy on Earth and not only that, but, well, loved. Neither has used the "L" word yet, but the reality is, I felt loved and, slightly overwhelmed by his graciousness.

R.G. leaves today on his vacation and I can't help feel like I am going to feel a sense of loss. R.G. will be back, of this I am sure and he will have the same feelings for me as he did yesterday. But, the lack of proximity is heartfelt. It is a bittersweet but, at the same time glorious, sensation for I know that I care for him.

As I dwell on the past persons I have seen, dated, hung out with or whatever each of them called it, and then compare to this marvelous man I am now seeing, I come upon the realization that there is an enormous difference between aspiring to make things work with someone and for things to naturally, almost seamlessly, occur. With R.G., there is no "work" involved, there is only a strong and pressing desire and impulsive curiosity that knows no bounds.

Can this be "L"?

A.B.