Reading

I've come to the conclusion that people read and interact with others the same way they read books. Stay with me here. It might sound a little crazy, but I've really thought this through.

First, you have your non-readers. These people don't like to read, so they don't. Now, occasionally, if a book cover catches their eyes, these non-readers may pick up a book to look at it, and they may even begin reading it . But the book won't hold their attention long, and this is especially true if the material held within the covers becomes somewhat difficult.

Your non-readers in relationships are those that are not interested in a partnership--they are interested in a "me-ship." The world revolves around him or her.  Trying to learn and please someone else is a foreign and an unappealing idea, which means working through any problems is not even entertained as a possibility. It's just easier to let the relationship go.

Then, you have your Cliff Notes reader. These individuals actually kinda sorta want to know what the book is about; but putting in all that time to actually READ the book, well, let's not be silly. These readers are the same people who, if they decide they really DO want to read a book all the way through, will pick one up, speed through it, and not be able to tell you anything about the book 30 minutes after finishing it.

The  relationship Cliff Noters are those that love being "in love." They crave the  fireworks and champagne moments of a new relationship; and, they sincerely believe that they are ready to work for the relationships they begin. But, like those that rush through a book and learn little from it, these people rush through relationships, glossing over problems and ignoring the "hard stuff" of a relationship. In doing this, yes, they "get through" the relationship, but no enrichment comes from it.

Finally, you have your avid readers. These are the people who cherish the time they have to read. They want to read every word, discover every nuance, savor every turn of phrase. They love a good story; but, more importantly, they love being able to discover something new every time they read a story, no matter how many times they do so.

Avid readers of relationships love every aspect of a relationship. The good, the bad, the "what they heck was I thinking" parts. They love those with whom they have the relationship, and they love learning something new about the other person daily. The "Avids" finds beauty in the quirks of others; and, even when they are questioning the sanity of both themselves and the other person, they know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the struggles are worth it in the end.

See! Told you I had thought this all out!

     “We control fifty percent of a relationship. We influence one hundred percent of it.”