There is nothing better on a hot summer day then a cool pool. Now people have different approaches when getting themselves in, especially if the water happens to be slightly chilly. There are those who will use the steps and slowly dip into the pool, limb by limb, and then there are those who take a running start and dive right in, big splash included. Personally, I am one who likes to cannon ball my way into the pool, and just take all the cold in at once. However, in the pool is the only place I tend to take this approach.
With many friends either getting into serious relationships, getting engaged, or taking the plunge and getting married its caused some observation to which way is better. Is diving head first into a relationship better then just dipping your toe in and moving at the speed of molasses? Having done both ways, here's what my experience has shown.
In those times that I have dove in head first, its been frankly amazing at the moment. You fall incredibly hard and have these amazing sweeping feelings that flood through you in wave after wave of awesome. You feel like you are floating and nothing can touch you. However, what comes up, must come down. These times that I have gone head first into the cold pool have also been the times that my heart has been broken the most because I did not see things clearly, I ignored warning signs, and was blind to anything but the feelings I was experiencing.
In the other times, where I have moved at a pace turtles would yell to hurry up, I have watched small sparks fly and turn slowly into fires that warmed my heart. I was sensible, did not get carried away, and held back from saying things too rash or too affectionate in order to play the complete casual card. This seemed perfect! However, in this day and age where people are more interested in what is in front of them, if its not moving fast, then its time to drop it. Instant gratification or bust. These are times that I have been left in the dust by other ladies who would throw themselves in the ring and move at the 'correct' pace.
So there are faults with each, both have ended poorly in situations, which is what caused me to look at others. And what I saw was surprising to say the least. There was no pattern, no overlying theme, or no one way. There were some friends I saw fall madly in love and just go for it, and it was beautiful. Then others who would dance around being together, or stay friends before being together, or take time apart to find themselves, and looking at them now, its amazing to see the relationship they built. So the results are in, do your thing. Go at your pace. Whatever works for you, might not work for your neighbor, so you've got this and do not be discouraged by what someone else is doing!
