Running JUST faster than the fastest lion...

"Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve. It doesn't matter whether you're a lion or gazelle - when the sun comes up, you'd better be running."
-Thomas L. Friedman " (from "The World is Flat: A Brief History of the 21st Century)

The quote actually refers to commerce and globalization.  I know, I know...gratuitous quoting completely out of context, right?  Not really.  In fact, it provides a great parallel to my 'public' romantic life.  I happen to be the um, how do I say..."least professionally developed" (groan) in the relationship.  I consider myself lucky because I don't feel my good name would be ruined, or even damaged very much if people knew what was going on after hours.  But I am acutely concerned over the careers and family life of the two I'm with, because they stand to lose a lot more by being discovered.  In my mind, before we go anywhere, there is a certain amount of consideration I give to how 'natural' I can act and still pull off being just a close family friend - who will be there, and how intuitive and observant are they?   Who do I need to run faster than?  I just need to stay one step ahead of anyone who might catch on...

We have had more than our fair share of giggles while scandalizing bar patrons, neighbors, and TSA screeners (any of whom may or may not have been paying attention) - acting like we don't care what people think, and knowing that if THEY knew how happy we were, they'd be jealous!  But when it comes to friends, coworkers and family...it can be a downer.  After all, they are the important people.

Overwhemingly, the relationship has given me the energy to hit the ground running every morning.  I feel more charged up and strong now than I ever have (Missy and I have dubbed the phenomena our "Wonder Twin Powers")...  The excitement and strength the relationship provides is intoxicating.  The challenge now, it seems, is being sure we're running in the right direction - i.e. not TOWARDS the lion, but away from it. 

Repeat after me:  Today I will control my relationship intoxication and make good decisions.  (That IS what you do when you're in it for the long haul).