Simple answers

"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple." Dr. Seuss

So, there's this guy. He's a little unexpected. We met online (OK, that's not unexpected), but in a roundabout way. I was already so upset and jaded by the whole Gardner experience, and frustrated with the pen pals, and just generally not enthusiastic about dating, that I almost didn't meet Trooper.

But our first date was dinner after I ran an errand with my cousin. I complained to her about how first dates are like job interviews, and not really any fun, and I didn't want to go. I was whining; she was't having it. She gave me a pep talk, straightened my coat and sent me on my merry way.

My first date with Trooper wasn't anything like an interview. It was like two friends just having a nice dinner, and a nice conversation. It was relaxed, and comfortable. It was fun.

It made me think about Gardner, and the other guys that I just let go. What was the difference? Why let one in, but not another? Why do some relationships seem to fit so much better than others?

I'm sure there's all kinds of scientific mumbo-jumbo that defines relationships and why they work. You can rely on astrology, or numerology, or personality types or whatever.

But in the end, I realized, the answer that matters is pretty simple. It's all about the butterflies.