Is He the One?

In a tourist city like Orlando, it’s only natural for friends to meet in the work place… a hotel. Which is where my best of friends were met. Working in a hotel is almost like living in a sorority house – the majority of us are women, and we tend to travel in groups. And just like a sorority, there’s always some sort of drama going on. 

So my friend, we’ll call her A, just called me at 10 pm to let me know that she and K were ending their engagement – after nine years of being together. Of course she was completely distraught – and intoxicated – when she let it all out. And they’ve been through their ups and downs, like any other couple.  But, it’s amazing how two people, who were engaged to be married, end it after so long. And after putting so much effort into it.  I guess it goes to show, that some men can’t handle a relationship in which “his” woman is more successful, or even more educated, than he is. I mean, she is of course a college graduate, owns her own home, and is a successful Sales Manager.  While K’s, well, nobody.  He’s a 39 year old that still lives at home with his mother, doesn’t have a “real” job, and has three kids.  Yes, I agree.  Why would she even get into that mess?  The best part was when he told her that he was tired of being with someone who thinks they wear the pants in the relationship.  All of this makes me question my own relationship with my own A. Let’s call him, Mr. A. 

Mr. A., although a little more than half way to an undergraduate degree, sometimes seems a little off about me having finished already.  And I suppose rightfully so, as he is a 30-something.  And although it is only an undergraduate degree, it is the new high school diploma – everyone should have one by now, right? But he’s a musician, and I’m well, a nomad who is still finding herself… but I have the damn degree! 

Meanwhile, D, is recently divorced, after about 10 years into her marriage, and she’s out having the time of her life. As a restaurant manager at a luxury resort, she has access to rich, eligible, and might I add attractive, men. Out and about she goes, having her escapades, and of course detailing every bit of them to me.  More on that one later…

But then we have Y, who seems to be in a great relationship. A catering manager, she’s also happily married and devoted to a family, or so it seems. Y and her own A, have two incredibly well behaved kids, and live in a great home.

What about N, who is in a new relationship (anything under 6 months is new). She’s now living with her current boyfriend AND her ex boyfriend! How does that work exactly? Apparently they both know, and are okay with it. I’m sure there’s more to this story… 

Now that leaves me, C. Who has been in a relationship for just over a year, and am faced with making a life changing decision – to leave for the military (and risk possibly losing Mr. A),  or not? Now, this relationship is not like one I’ve been in before. I mean, with this one, although it is one of the most positive relationships I’ve ever been in, Mr. A doesn’t give it up. Yes, you are right to assume I mean sex. I’ve been in this one for over a year, and we have not… well, you know.  No, he’s not gay. Obviously that would have come out over the course the time we’ve been together.  He’s spiritual… religious.  Which is good, and who am I to tell someone that their beliefs are off?  It’s actually what made us learn more about each other.  But in the long run, how will this affect our relationship?  If A and K can’t make it after nine years, and D’s having the time of her life as a divorcee, what do we have to look forward to, as the ones in 1+ year relationships? 

Needless to say, we’re all living in a city where, although it may be a bit hard to meet men that are not tourists, they are all around us. But again the question arises: With so many men to choose from, how do we know which one is.. well, “The One?”