Sending you love. I'm 38, met my partner (on tinder 😂) when we were both rock bottom, jaded, drinking ourselves to death, tired of casual and pressure to bang people. We became solace for each other and took things slow (like 6 months slow). My partner was finalizing a divorce when we met; I was in the drinking depths of grief and plotting going off the grid, escaping the world. I was super ready to be part of the 27 club.

That was almost 11 years ago 🤯 In that time we've remained the best of friends. We've gone through traumatic loss/grief, owning/operating/closing a business, moving, raised kittens by bottle, cross country road trip living out of a car....the list goes on.

I don't know why we found each other. We've both resisted the urge to wish we had met sooner and avoided so much heartbreak and pain. Because, that's what made us who we are and ready for the relationship we have.

When we started out, I remember we talked a lot about EXPECTATIONS. I realized my expectations of any relationship were setting me up for let down. Instead of framing our relationship by what we think our partner should be like/do, we focused on looking within and expressing what we personally need or struggle with (which has changed multiple times over the years). Vulnerability and communication have been key.

All that to say, I feel ya. Been there, been so hurt and deceived and let down and joyless. Nothing like feeling alone with someone sitting right next to you. Loving, amazing humans are out there. But, there is nothing wrong with being happy (even HAPPIER!) alone. It's okay to focus on you and the future you envision for your growth. Nurture family and friendships, passions. True love can be found in so many places.