John stayed over last week-end and we had a great time. It was good to be able to simply be totally relaxed around someone, instead of being cautious, as is the case with even the closest of friends. It was enjoyable to have someone I can be completely open with.
I think it’s a rare bond that he and I share. I often believed that I would never be able to have someone know everything about me. The idea scares me, makes me cringe. Yet in this weekend, we were able to understand each other in such subtle ways that no explanation was needed for many subjects. I realize that John knows everything about me. He has such a history with me that I can feel comfortable with such an idea. He’s the only person who has met every one of my girlfriends.
One of my favorite conversations was about the way he manifests his support of the FTA by stealing (also delectable) lemon mints with the words “Down with the FTA!” printed on the wrapper. Another memorable one that comes to mind was concerning our dads mid-life crises. When he found out that a Boxter was part of mine, he told me that his only did something as benign as getting re-married. I couldn’t stop laughing when he said it, because it spoke of such a quirky understanding I have of his father. Yet it also so discretely tells of the value of his relationships, another things which I’ve come to understand in him.
I believe the appeal of these conversations is the way in which we can communicate. Most of my friends are people whom I can have a good time with, instead of being able to relate intellectually with. My relationship with John allows for both, and I always feel refreshed when I’m finished talking with him.
I can only hope that the effect is mutual.

