Dealing...

So Erin from Palo Alto, California asked if I deal with the everyday insanities of boyfriends, friends, singleness, being alone, etc. And while I think everyone deals with one of those aspects, I do identify with one more then the other.

As of now I am single, but it hasn't always been this way. Love is, and will always be a great mystery to me. It's something that no one has mastered, and something that everyone has encountered; whether on a daily basis or not. What I found truly interesting though is the word, "deal," which Erin used. I think dealing with things sounds like a negative connotation; and while sometimes life is something that does have to be dealt with, it has definitely been the most rewarding experience.

I was recently watching an episode of the reality show "The City," and I was really struck by the way Whitney dealt with her love and life situations. In the episode she struggles with the move to a new city; wondering if she made the right decision or not. She felt alone, recently dumped by her boyfriend, and it was very apparent she didn't know what to do. While sadness seemed to be the clear theme of the episode, it was truly courage and independence which rung true. At the end of the episode, Whitney's character turns down her ex-boyfriend's plea of getting-back together. Instead she told him she was ready to discover who she was, and not have to rely on him to make her happy. I was shocked! I was expecting the hugging and forgiveness, and the take-me-backs.

I was refreshed by Whitney's story of independence. And I may not be screaming Beyonce's, "Single Ladies," but I may hum closely to the tune.

To answer your question Erin, I believe that there's a strength that lies in each of us; whether it be when we're single, attached, alone, whatever. I really like the line in Ray Lamontagne's song"Be Here Now," when he says, "Don't look for love in faces, or places. It's in you, that's where you'll find kindness."

So Erin, be courageous in whatever situation you are in, and in the words of Diane Von Furstenburg, "The most important relationship you have is with yourself."

Love and Peace,

G