Long-distance dating meant something different back in 1986 before cellphones and the internet. I lived in Rhode Island. Gary lived in Maryland. When we got together weekends were fully packed.
One weekend in particular illuminates one of our differences. The cliff walk in Newport hugs one side of the perimeter along Newport’s famed mansions of storied Gilded Age families such as Rockefeller and Vanderbilt.
One of our weekends we took that walk. I recall all of a sudden realizing that I had rushed ahead and Gary wasn’t by my side. I turned back to see that guy just taking in the view and enjoyed the scenery. I was rushing to get to the imagined finish line! I had the destination not the journey in mind.
Another to be expecting difference is sleep needs. I believed in going to bed late and getting up early. I prided myself on my ability to burn at both ends. Gary has always held the steady pace. I travel at high speeds and then crash. Learning to move from noticing, accepting, understanding and celebrating these differences over 31 years has made all the difference.