So as you know, last week marked a huge milestone for me. I shared my blog with Bryan (I was going to use a fake name but after we discussed it, he gave me the okay to use his real name. This is a first, but something I interpret as a good sign). He read my online diary from the beginning in its entirety. Of course, there were some things I probably would have preferred to keep hidden, but it’s already out there for all to see so I had to let go (without the urge to go back and delete, delete, delete).
In the last few weeks, I have started to trust again. I let down some of the walls I had been hiding behind. Bryan has been encouraging, patient, and caring and has helped me see beyond my past to a hopeful future. He extended his hand and I reached out tentatively. He beckoned me closer and held me there.
Then he left his first comment on “plus one” and I melted. A few days later, he left another comment to a few bloggers who told him they were protective of me and to treat me well (and to you all: thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me and how much I love each and every one of you in return). His answer took my breath away. This time I leapt, arms outstretched. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? I wanted to feel this, soak it all in, and revel in the excitement of a new love interest.
Yesterday I sat at work, daydreaming of a beautiful night we had shared as I proofread a catalog. Brandi Carlile sang me lullabies and the rest of the world became invisible save for the stills that repeated in a loop in my brain. I received an email from Bryan. I felt the tears cloud my vision. They were happy tears. Really happy tears. I have waited such a long time to meet someone who takes note of the little things. Who remembers every moment and every conversation and who appreciates the finer things in life. Bryan is that person. He has brought so much love and light to my world and has convinced me that good men DO still exist.
It may have taken a few years, some bumps, and missed connections to figure this out, but I am embracing old feelings in a new way because of a wonderful man who took me to see the colors of a sunset and cuddles me to sleep at night.
But I also wanted to write this post today to say that my approach with Bryan will be different. I want to be respectful of him and what we share and there may be a bit of an adjustment period here until I get the rhythm just right. Obviously I will keep certain details to myself, which I’m sure you can understand. In the meantime, I have some fun posts lined up, including a male’s perspective on dating in New York, fun product reviews, and, if I can get my shizz together in time, I’d love to do a fun holiday giveaway.
And I will soon post a picture.
On a completely unrelated note, a friend’s baby was recently admitted (and will soon be released) from the emergency room. If you could, please send some good vibes, thoughts, and prayers to her, her hubby, their son, and family. It was a scary week for them and I hope and pray that her little one is on his way to a full recovery.
Hope you all have a very happy weekend, ya’ll. Tori Amos and String Cheese are in the cards for me!
XOXO
NEVER GIVE UP!!
NEVER SURRENDER!
xo
I know I’m going to see you later, but….
YEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!! Tears of joy just made my eyes wobble, too!
You deserve this, Bunny. So much.
And thank you, Bryan, for treating our girl so well and making her as happy as she deserves to be. 🙂
charlotte, i’m so excited for you! i hope i get to meet this bryan character soon – i’m so happy that he makes you happy! also, i don’t like that you are so far away from me at work. booo! xo
LOVE LOVE LOVE! See, it was just a matter of time. My heart is so happy for you. I can’t wait to hear more as you two start this journey together. Looks like Bryan is just what you needed.
He has a name! Now you just need to bring him to England so I can check him out for you 😉
I am so thrilled to read this, Charlotte! So very, very happy for you that you have found someone who sees your inner beauty and treats you in the ways you so very much deserve! Here’s to continued beautiful times together.
HOORAY!! I can’t wait to one day get to meet him. 🙂 And I am OVER THE MOON happy for you- you deserve it!!
So you are my second friend to be lamenting the single life, thinking nothing good will ever come and then just a short time later, find someone so amazing, it takes your breath away. I knew it would happen for you love. It generally does…just right before you give up and say to hell with it all. Aren’t you glad you didn’t do that? I adore Bryan for adoring you so. I certainly understand the need to keep some things private…but I hope you’ll share the fun you have together too. Welcome to the blogosphere, Bryan. You’ll have the time of your life here!
I’m so, so, so excited for you!
And I’m sending some good vibes that your friend’s baby is ok.
U’ll have to bring him in Paris!:0)i’ll Love to meet him,he must be very special to have capture our wonderful and unique Charlotte!!!:0)
*Swoon*
That is all.
Much love to you, dear friend.
xo
I love popping in here lately and ending up with a huge smile. I sure would love for my daughters to read your blog. They are both struggling in their relationships and if they could just see how you’ve grown it may encourage them. I’m sure going to TRY to get them to log on!
I’m so happy for you. Bryan sounds like a great guy!
Bryan from New York? Tell him I said “hi”.
He’ll act like he doesn’t know me but…
Obviously, I’m kidding. I wan’t you to keep your “happy” tears.
Prayers for that sweet baby boy.
Goodness! Reading this is better than watching Love Actually!
For the first time in 32 years I don’t feel alone….. You’re amazing Mooi!
Sending happy thoughts her way! I’m so happy for you! 🙂
Wonderful. I am elated for both of you. My Hubs and I met at 30 and I can so relate to the long, winding road.
http://www.girlwithanewlife.com/2011/12/decorating-for-christmas-white-gold.html
LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!!!
Sounds like he’s just the perfect fit for you. And it really means something if you’re willing to and wanting to share all the pieces of yourself with him. Even the parts that aren’t so beautiful. That’s what true connection and commitment is, accepting all of it because you know your desire to be with that person is greater than their faults. OOPH, so happy for you!!!!!
And I hope your friends baby is doing well! so scary!
Yay for a great guy. Glad to know, however, that that he knows he’s being watched over by those who love you! Thanks for sharing your good news.
My best love and good vibes to your friend’s baby. I hope all is well now and the baby is safely at home.
🙂
Traci
That’s lovely Darling. So happy for you. That’s kind of how it works. Just when you think there aren’t any decent men left…
Thinking of your friend. YIKES. UGH.
I am jumping up and down for you!!!! So very happy for you 🙂
–Happy you met a nice guy…they are quite difficult to find. Bryan sounds amazing….
Revealing our writing is like standing in front of the universe completely NAKED, isn’t it?
Keep Blogging. It’s good for the soul Xxx
Tears in my eyes right now Charlotte. You deserve a great guy and it sounds like you found yourself one of the really good ones. I am so ridiculously happy for you!