I've concluded I can't do long-term relationships.
I can do long-term friendship, loyalty, love, helping, supporting, advising, sharing, but I can't do that special one-on-one relationship.
It seems I leave people behind when I move on, and that is the end of that episode of my life. It happens in 2, 5 and 10 year episodes, and there is really no other linking factor except me. Even my kids are part of different episodes.
My episodes confirm my theory that our lives are formed in stages, and these stages set the precedent for how we manage our life into the future. Think about it.
Even a friendship via the Grey Nomads forum is a "relationship".
Keep busy, stay happy.

Yes see your point CG, there are all sorts of relationships. Ive had amazing friendships that have been in place for up to 40 years (I is getting old for sure) and some of those have had long periods of not being in touch but the connections and feelings are there when we catch up.

Without wanting to get too philosophical or political I think the relationships between sexual partners carry centuries and milleniums of baggage and it is really hard for people to negotiate their way through that. Hats off to all those long term couples who have managed to stay together and most importantly grow together through all the changing social and political pressures.

I think it is really hard to have a long term intimate relationship and if it ends then that is fine, there is no law any more enforcing people to remain enjoined thankfully.

I definitely agree about stages and when you need to move on from a partner then that needs to be respected.

Some of the most important relationships I've had have been ended by death - that's a tough one. But for sure my life is richer.

CG you must be getting close to the record for the longest thread.

We have been together 30 years, second date I asked her to marry me, married within 12 months. Some said it would never last. Been ups and downs through the years but the worst would have been when my darling suffered depression, seems to always hurt those closest the most. We have led parralel lifes with many different interest but quite a lot of simular and like interests. We share some good friends, some of her girlfriends have become very good friens of mine, some of my male mates she dosnt warm to at all but does tollerate them. We are both strong willed and both adore children. Why its worked for us is anyones guess but I still want to spend the rest of my days with her. I also dont have a lot of people I would call a mate but if I do I will give it my all and most probable my life to safeguard that, for any one that treats me right I will give till it hurts. So any one out there that feels they are hurting blaze is sharing your pain. I am also a great believer in karma
cheers
blaze
ps
Remember to smile tomorrow and if someone sees you do it it may make their day

I still maintain any relationship succeeds because of respect. Respect comes in many forms, but it's still the basis for most relationships. We don't have to be the same, but we do have to respect the difference. We don't even have to accept it - just respect it.
Closeness also varies by degrees. Acquaintance, friend, close friend, intimate friend, the longevity of these relationships is still dependent on respect - giving it and getting it.

Well Elle, it's interesting to learn how people responded along the way, and how this topic affected them.
I've recovered from what created this thread initially, and am pondering my own outlook on life.
It's funny how life progresses and turns out.

Good one Beth. Honesty includes realistic.
Some people have unrealistic images of themselves, and unrealistic expectations of others.
Honesty is very important. No hidden agendas. No alterior motives. Just be honest and expect the same.

Blaze I gotta say I admire you and also your lovely partner. A 30 yr togetherness through all is an achievement and thanks for sharing.