Khalil Gibran in his philosophical treatise, “The Prophet” wrote something like:
A relationship is stronger when space is given between those persons,
Just like the pillars of a House, a Temple, or a Monument.
Too closely spaced relationships lead to instabilities.

When we met, we were young and hormones were controlling!
We spent less time thinking of ourselves,
Rather responsibilities, job, existence, travel, adventure, etc., taking higher priority.
Soon it was children and their upbringing was the focus,
We compromised and we pushed our needs – physical and emotional – aside.

We often realized it was too much of giving up and compromise,
As our goals and dreams for the rest of the limited life became clearer.
We realized that our circles of life have only a smaller overlap,
Beyond that common living, expectations on each other often stressed us out.

Our tastes diverged and so are our needs!
She would like my company to go to places that I am not always comfortable with
I seek her intimacy that she is often not inclined to
She is too fast and I am too slow
She is a storm and I am an after storm still
Kids are grown up and gone far places to pursue their lives –
Just like we did when we were young

It is an irrational fantasy to do everything “together”,
Unless one submits fully to the other, losing self identity.

It is time for a more “Open Relationship”

Away from unfulfilled expectations and compromises,
Giving space and gaining space to pursue physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual paths,
That each of us have been wishing, dreaming, and desiring for, but couldn’t fulfill.
It is time for us to “Enrich our Friendship” giving that space to each other,
While still enjoying those few moments that we are together!

Life cannot be a compromise forever,
Nor it should be an abandoned friendship that once upon a time flourished.
Life is in between these two extremes – with an open mind and being there for each other in need
Carving out physical and mental space for each,
In the pursuit of happiness – physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual!

So begins the phase of an Open Relationship in our lives!

#thoughtoftheday

© srs