Making sacrifices for loved ones seems to be a part of human nature; a friend needs help moving, a family member needs a loan, the boy you’re dating is starting another business and needs you to be understanding and accommodating. In my case, no one needs help moving, or a loan, but City Boy needs me to be understanding, patient, and accommodating – all of which are incredibly hard for me to do.
Last week I talked about the moment I felt it all get real, the moment I realized that he was different, that I cared about him more than Country Boy, Waiting Man, and the Big Ex all combined. It’s not just butterflies this time, it’s more than that; it’s the knowledge that I want him in my life for a long, long time.
People tell you that when you meet the person you’re supposed to be with, you just know. This is it. Whatever trials and tribulations life brings your way, this person is the person you’re supposed to be with; and, if it’s a rocky road full of sacrifices, that doesn’t matter because the end result is being with someone you care deeply about.
I thought I was in love with the Big Ex, but his parting words to me were that I deserved someone who loved me beyond reason, someone who was crazy about me, someone who I was just as crazy about and as much as he hurt me – he was right. He understood that we were a temporary thing, there for each other when we both needed it, but I led him on the path to his bride, and he led me on the path to understanding myself.
But, it isn’t going to be easy with City Boy; I can’t be priority one in his life, he loves his work and he’s starting something amazing. Instead of being jealous I find myself being proud of him, incredibly inspired by his vision not just for himself but for me. City Boy challenges me, he wants more for me – he told me once that I have an entrepreneurial spirit, that he likes that about me. So, I’ve been thinking about finishing the book I’ve been writing for so long; I’ve been thinking about starting a business on the side; I’ve been thinking about doing more speaking engagements. The bottom line is that he doesn’t just make me a better person, he makes me a better version of myself.
I have to understand that I can’t be his first priority; I will come in second to the business he’s building and I will have to go stretches of time without seeing him while he creates this incredible thing. But, this is such a small sacrifice because he’s the first man in my life to push me to do more, bigger, better.
City Boy is the only man I’ve ever truly seen a future with. If it takes a while to get there, I won’t worry, because, when he looks at me, I melt.
