Commitment

The big news around here is that Chris and I are committed. Chris is my boyfriend and I'm his girlfriend. We care about each other (a lot) and have committed to making our relationship better and better. This is a wonderfully significant moment for me.

Chris and I first met in high school, specifically in chemistry class our sophomore year. We were 16. I can remember we spent a lot of time flirting. There was just an instant attraction between us. I don't remember how, but we finally started hanging out after school. My memory of those days are all a bit fuzzy, but we did seem to spend a lot of time at his house after school. Unfortunately it only lasted a few weeks because I got myself grounded. (That might have been the time I was grounded "until I was sorry." But maybe not. Again, fuzzy memory.) So in high school, at age 16, we dated a whole whopping 3 of 4 weeks.

Fast forward 6 or 7 years. I ran into Chris in a bar on Saint Patrick's day. I was out with Kristen as her designated driver. I didn't even recognize Chris. We chatted for awhile and then I totally blew him off. He still likes to rub it in. To my credit, I had a boyfriend at the time and didn't exactly hang out with other men.

Fast forward a couple more years to last summer. Friday, August 19, 2005, Chris and I met again at our ten year high school reunion. We had a fabulous time catching up on each other's lives and there was quite a spark between us. I didn't blow him off.

Chris and I have been dating since August despite living 1,065 miles apart. While we've had some very fun times together, especially the U2 concert, the best times have been on the phone. We've been building a wonderfully mature, emotionally-invested relationship between us. Spending time physically apart with only the phone to connect you, certainly leads to depth of conversation - really, really good conversation.

Throughout this time that I've been dating Chris, I was also dating Kii. This may have seemed confusing to some people, but it was just part of the process for me. The process that I've been through in the past 10 months has really been about me growing up. I've been figuring out who I am, what I want, what is good for me, what I have to give up, and who is meant to be in my life. The process hasn't been easy, but I am so happy in this moment. In this moment, I am able to see myself, understand what I've discovered, and know that Chris is absolutely right for me.

Chris is an amazing man. He is so kind, sensitive, and thoughtful. The big things - like calling and talking to me every night, coming to Phoenix to visit, spending time with my family, and reading books I recommend (and even discussing them with me). The little things too - like putting alcohol in my ears after swimming, opening the car door, enjoying my dog or at least pretending to, and rubbing my feet! Chris is consistent and patient. He's intelligent and I truly believe he can make or fix anything. He listens. He's giving. Chris has a good heart.

Right now I am so happy and peaceful. I have a truly incredible man in my life who is completely committed to me and I to him. We have a great relationship that will only get better with time. I feel like anything is possible for us and the future is such an exciting place. I am so, so proud to call Chris my boyfriend.

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