I'm still MISS Bethie...

The most fantastical friend in the world, Darren, took me on a three-day trip the a beautiful spa resort in Scottsdale, AZ. I had massages, body wraps, deep hair and scalp conditioning, manicure, pedicure, salt scrubs and lots of R&R.

He was stressed, he knew I was stressed, and it was a great getaway for us.

And one night, after a little too much champagne in the jacuzzi, we seriously considered flying into Vegas and getting married.

Why not? He is funny, intelligent, successful, and damn good looking. We get along great and I adore (most of) his family.

But, neigh. I love my dear friend, and I know he would say the same about me. But just because you love someone as a friend does not translate to loving that person as a husband/wife.

So, yes, I am still single. I am still out in the crazy world of dating, and I still am STILL to keep a sense of humor about it all!


STRINGING ALONG...

In related news, The Professor is now totally jealous of Darren. As well he should be, since Darren, who does have issues, is still less dysfunctional that the professor. But then again, so am I!

Seriously, Darren was a mess in college, but has totally straightened himself out.

So, I tell the professor I just got back from Arizona. He asked who I went with...

"My buddy, Darren."
"So you got laid?"
"No."
"Did you have separate sleeping quarters?"
"No."
[pause]
"The room had separate beds?"
"No."
"So, you slept in the same bed, then."
"Yeah."
"You mean to tell me, you slept in the same bed and didn't fool around?"
"I didn't say we didn't fool around, I said I didn't get laid."
[LOOOOOONG pause]
The conversation went on from there, and included me saying that Darren is handsome and rich.
Professor asked if I was holding out for a middle-aged man going through a divorce who is a complete mess.
"I'm not holding out for you, Professor. You have made it abundantly clear that you have no romantic interest in me."
"I never said that! I'm just a mess now and can't be in a relationship!"
"I know that, but you also have told me, several times, that you couldn't be with me and that we would kill each other long term."
"When did I say that?"
"Every time you are being a smart ass and I give it right back to you. You told me you like girls who just smile and take it. I love that you want me to be passionate in the bedroom, and maybe even when the discussion is politics, but no other time."
"It was a JOKE! I love that you have a rapier wit!"

I think he was just worried about losing his FWB and was trying to appease me.

He, of course, had to tell me what a rough time he is having, and I, well, didn't exactly yelled, but piped up, "You know, you aren't the only person going through stuff! I have been depressed and crying and that is why Darren took me to a spa resort! He was trying to help me!"

He asked what was wrong, I didn't want to tell him, because I knew I would cry.

"Bethie, did someone hurt you? Did something happen to you?"
"Not to me."
"It is your kids, isn't it? Did one of them pass away?"

So, I cried a bit, trying to tell him about the two kids from previous ski trips who relapsed. About Charlie who is on so much morphine he didn't even remember me, not to mention I barely recognized him.

In a very sincere voice he told me that he wants me to talk to him, to lean on him when things going badly and when I am upset. He knows I would do the same for him. Of course he is right.