freda,

I can relate to your comments. I've also had 2 meaningful relationships of length that have ended, one initiated by the man & one by me. They have been at either end of the spectrum, it seemed, in terms of personalities. So, kendall, I thought I *had* learned something. The fact remains that they both ended, leaving me feeling rather clueless about relationship. At present, I am enjoying a friendship w/ a man from my past. By most ways of reckoning, we have little in common. Still, we have fun together, help each other out, & care to hear about the details of the other's day-to-day happenings. I don't think he'll ever be the "love of my life" nor do I flatter myself that I hold that place in his life. Is this settling or is this a realistic, valid relationship? Maybe this thread is melding w/ the "What is love?" thread.

bbc