and I think she’s probably right. The “how did I get here” question is a big one for me, a question I have really examined.

I have spent my adult years being relatively self-aware, and have always had a good sense of what I want out of life. In the late 90s I was living with a man named Rich who was 13 years older than I. We lived in San Francisco together, and truly had a lovely relationship, but ultimately it just didn’t work. He didn’t know what he wanted for his future, and I was absolutely sure I wanted to get married and have kids. Fortunately he was mature enough to realize that about himself, and we parted ways.

The ending of that relationship was tough for me. I had moved across the country to be with him and knew we could have been great together. But like Rich, I realized he wasn’t going where I was heading, and I knew at my core that was the right move. I was devastated, but packed up my things and moved back across the country.

Coming back home was bittersweet. It was so great to be near my darling friends, so I spent my time reconnecting with them and rebuilding my former life without Rich. I was only in my late 20s, so I had enough scars to make me interesting but not enough to be jaded (like I am now…lol). I dated like a maniac, and had fun with my friends taking advantage of the city. We were always out and about. And slowly, I found myself again. I was happy.

And then I met him. Charming and funny, but younger than I, Brendan swooped in and pursued the hell out of me. I resisted at first, but eventually decided to go out with him. Little did I know, that decision would change my life, kind of like a car wreck.