Throughout my life, I've been on many dates. I've been in serious relationships. I've had girlfriends that lasted weeks, months and years. I've loved and I've lost. However, as I experienced each of these relationships, no matter how long or short, I've noticed something in myself as a result. At the end of each of my relationships, I have changed as a person.
I'm reminded of a video I watched many years ago that was put on youtube by a man who calls himself ONLYUSEmeBLADE. While ONLYUSEmeBLADE's videos are usually on the video game Call of Duty, this one was on his "Sunday Chill" playlist where he would talk about subjects sort of unrelated to video games, and more on the subject of life. In the particular video, his topic was relationships. In the video, he compares relationships to plane rides. In the beginning of a relationship, it's like a plane taking off; everything is intense, your moods are up and you are soaring. After the initial "honeymoon" phase, your endorphins level off and you reach the stage where your relationship will either stick or crumble, and that stage is the cruising altitude where you can only move forward to survive. The cruising stage can last a very long time or hardly any at all. Finally, there is the descent. This is where the relationship is slowing down and one or the both of you are losing interest. As you go down, you land, and the relationship is over.
As much as it sucks that your relationship has ended, ONLYUSEmeBLADE said that there is a bright side. Just like a plane takes you to a new destination, the relationship has brought you to a new point in life and has changed you. You are in a new place, and that is some of the greatest advice I've heard.
Relationships are an interesting phenomenon. They teach you lessons that nobody in the world could. They let you experience a unique closeness to someone that can bring incredible joy when you're with them, or immeasurable sorrow after you've lost them. Relationships for me have always been a learning experience. The people that I've dated have shaped my life long after they're gone. Whether it's liking a new band or really appreciating nature, being exposed to those people changed me and brought me to a new place. I remember when one of my relationships was ending, my now ex-girlfriend asked me if I would regret dating her after we were over. Looking back, no mater what happened I couldn't regret it because that relationship had become a part of me and would be there forever. So relationships aren't just ways to pass the time, or a status symbol. Relationships are priceless learning experiences that will leave lasting impressions on your life.
