Excerpts from an article extracted from 10/01/2010 [The Sunday Times], [Lifestyle] section, pg. 13...
New Year, New Start...
When you've been single for a while, you view starting a new relationship with a huge dose of trepidation.
You've been through it all before and you're tired. You know too well how it often starts nicely but ends horribly.
You know how hard it is for two people to compromise, which is what relationships are all about. And you know it's even harder when you're older, set in your ways, live in different continents and have been scarred by relationships past.
You wonder if you have the energy anymore to go through another relationship. You think of the heart and head aches that might come your way and wonder if the hassle is going to be worthwhile.
You also know that not wanting to spend another birthday or Christmas or New Year alone is not a good reason to commit to someone. Neither is bowing to social pressure (you're of a certain age and the only one left in the family who hasn't 'settled down').
You know that you shouldn't enter a relationship hoping it can fill whatever void you have inside, or because you think having a partner would give your life more meaning, purpose and excitement.
You know that if you aren't already fulfilled and happy with yourself and within yourself, no one's ever going to do that for you.
The test, I suppose, is whether you still want to spend time with the person when dreary December is over and, hooray, January is finally here and life is back to normal and you've shaken off those holiday blues.
If you still desire his or her company, then surely the new year is the best time to make a fresh start, take that leap of faith and take the plunge.
It's time I muster some courage and go ahead with the investment... Provide I find one with sufficient reliability of course...
