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Conference quark::human_relations

Title:What's all this fuss about "sax and violins"?
Notice:Please read all replies to note 1
Moderator:QUARK::LIONEL
Created:Thu Jan 21 1993
Last Modified:Fri May 09 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:133
Total number of notes:1901

98.0. "Gun shy?" by QUARK::MODERATOR () Fri Jun 23 1995 18:00

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				Steve






   I generally have maintained long term relationships, rather than a string
   of one night stands. The ones that work out usually last years rather than
   months. I was married in my mid twenties and divorced  6 years later. I had
   known my spouse for 2 years prior to marriage. Two years or so into another
   long term relationship after the divorce I was given an ultimatum, of
   marriage or else. I succumbed unwillingly and agreed. I eventually ended
   the relationship before it went any further. (albeit some unrest was also
   happening on both sides).

   Today I've been dating the same person for 2.5 years. I've known them for
   ~6 years. We agree on many basic issues like marriage and children (or lack
   thereof). We are very happy together and truly love each other but still
   maintain separate homes. My partner has asked that we move in together. I
   feel very uneasy about this and I've told my partner this. Tough part is
   that I'm not really sure why I feel so uneasy about this. 

   Some things I think about are:

   My SO is *still* technically married, but making slow progress. Things are
   perfect right now, why screw it up. Is this person the *right* one? Why is
   living together the next "logical" step? I've been living alone for 9
   years.


   Gun shy? Careful? Just plain scared of commitment? What's your opinion?

   Thanks for your input.
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98.1WRKSYS::MACKAY_EMon Jun 26 1995 20:5119
    
    Living together = next logical step?! Well, two people
    together can accomplish a lot more things than two
    people alone in the same amount of time, practically
    speaking. Only 1 set of bathrooms to clean, 1 driveway 
    to shovel in the winter time, etc. Some things can only 
    be accomplished with 2 people around, especially home 
    improvement projects. Some things are more fun to do with 
    someone else, like cooking. Some things also need more $ to 
    pay for. So, IMO, 2 people working as a team, pooling their 
    resources together can get more out of life. But then of
    course, the two people have to have same goals, have to
    get along and have to commit. 
    
    
    
    Eva  
    
       
98.2TALLIS::NELSONAre we grading on a curve?Mon Jun 26 1995 22:2329

>   Some things I think about are:

>   My SO is *still* technically married, but making slow progress. Things are
>   perfect right now, why screw it up. Is this person the *right* one? Why is
>   living together the next "logical" step? I've been living alone for 9
>   years.


    	What do you mean by "technically married"?  Marriage is kinduva
    binary thing with me -- either you are or you're not.


>   Gun shy? Careful? Just plain scared of commitment? What's your opinion?


    	Given what you've said, I think at least a part of it is that
    you're unwilling to give up your independence and freedom.  Think about
    this:  if your partner were divorced/single, would that change your
    feelings about the situation?  I'm suspecting it wouldn't, but I'm
    basing this on gut feel with little information.  How were you feeling
    at the end of your divorce?  Do you think your current feelings stem in
    any way from how you felt then?



    Brian

98.3ELESYS::JASNIEWSKIYour mind is in here and mine is alsoTue Jun 27 1995 17:0019
    
    	Fear, perhaps?
    
    	Historically when you've taken steps to be closer, it's blown up
    ultimately. Perhaps you're afraid of history repeating itself for a
    third time?
    
    	One way to be open and vulnerable and honest with your current
    spouse would be to tell her "I'm terrified of losing what we have if
    we move in together". Allow her to help you with that feeling.
    
    	Upon hearing the circumstances of the other breakups, she'll
    probably be able to give you some assurance and/or understanding.
    
    	Hope this helps,
    
    	Joe
    
    	
98.4DKAS::GALLUPYou are what you think.Fri Jun 30 1995 20:1636
>>>My partner has asked that we move in together. I feel very uneasy about 
>>>this and I've told my partner this. Tough part is that I'm not really 
>>>sure why I feel so uneasy about this. 

	Why did your previous relationships end after such a long time
	(especially your marriage)?  What sort of relationship
	are you really looking for in your life (ie, are you really WANTING
	to have something that "lasts forever.")?

>>>My SO is *still* technically married, but making slow progress. 

	Plain and simple.  If your SO wanted to be divorced, your SO would
	BE divorced.  I have to agree with Brian:  either a person IS married
	or they aren't.  Your SO's "commitment" to another person is still
	in effect, can they really commit fully to you?

	

	Is sounds to me from your hesitation that you know inside that 
	now isn't the right time -- that you both have some issues to 
	deal with first.

	If this is the "right" person for you -- waiting until these issues
	are resolved shouldn't be a problem.

>>>Why is living together the next "logical" step? I've been living alone for 9
>>>years.	


	It doesn't have to be....it sounds like you really need to answer
	the question for yourself that I asked at the beginning:

	What sort of relationship are you REALLY looking for in your life?


	Kath