Amazing piece and so relatable. I especially liked the part about admiring someone and becoming them, only to outgrow them like a school uniform. It can be such a challenge though to dig into and stand in who you are within a relationship. You meld a bit and imprint on each other. It’s almost inevitable. But the journey is not of two combined entities, just two people sharing an experience. This allows growth for both of you.
You used the term "dolphin dance", perhaps as a euphemism for intercourse. I have been saying that for years, and nobody gets it. I searched the web and there is no trace of this usage. My hazy recollection is that it came from a Tom Robbins novel. How did you come to use this term? Obviously I'm a fan.
Beautifully written and I relate to this so hard! I have really contorted myself in order to be as appealing to and compatible with the people I have dated. But at this point, it's so easy to collapse all of those selves and just forget about them.
I also identify as a serial monogamist (and in the most on-brand serial-monogamist way, maintain that "it just happened that way!"), but I'm taking a break from dating these days and it is honestly disconcerting to meet myself as a single woman.
Amazing piece and so relatable. I especially liked the part about admiring someone and becoming them, only to outgrow them like a school uniform. It can be such a challenge though to dig into and stand in who you are within a relationship. You meld a bit and imprint on each other. It’s almost inevitable. But the journey is not of two combined entities, just two people sharing an experience. This allows growth for both of you.
I enjoyed your essay a lot. I have a question.
You used the term "dolphin dance", perhaps as a euphemism for intercourse. I have been saying that for years, and nobody gets it. I searched the web and there is no trace of this usage. My hazy recollection is that it came from a Tom Robbins novel. How did you come to use this term? Obviously I'm a fan.
Beautifully written and I relate to this so hard! I have really contorted myself in order to be as appealing to and compatible with the people I have dated. But at this point, it's so easy to collapse all of those selves and just forget about them.
I also identify as a serial monogamist (and in the most on-brand serial-monogamist way, maintain that "it just happened that way!"), but I'm taking a break from dating these days and it is honestly disconcerting to meet myself as a single woman.
👏🏼 Beautifully done