Train of Life, Now Boarding..... Caleb

For the first time in my life I have some control and enjoy the direction I'm going. I thought about it a few days ago and realized that it's time to stop saying "when I grow up" or "maybe one day" and realize the train of life is boarding; and I'm the conductor. My name is Caleb and I'm a 20's-something guy living in Washington, DC. Growing up outside of DC, the infrequent visits to the city I had made a lasting picture of life in the city; A picture of young professionals with great career and beautiful homes running to and from cocktail parties, board meetings and restaurants. I wanted that life and while it's not picture perfect, I believe I somewhat have it. I don't have the great career, I am currently transitioning out of the military and into well to be determined, and while I'm very proud of my small condo, it's in an up-and-coming area(not the trendy up and coming either) and the social life. not as activities I would like but it's there. I wasn't in love with my life though until I met Owen. Owen has that picture perfect life of DC; the great career, the beautiful condo in a great location, and while not the busiest social life, a social life that I feel he is completely satisfied with. Owen came into my life exactly when I needed him too; I had just gotten off of a roller coaster ride called my previous relationship. During that, I really"catered" to someone else's needs and neglected mine. I lost myself and didn't realize I had until it was over. I immediately decided to dive right back in to the dating pool, even though I knew I wasn't ready . Luckily, my first date was Owen. I was immediately taken with his ideal DC life, his charm, his beauty, and just how together he was. We immediately hit it off,finding joy in our similarities and intrigue in our differences. Owen is not only my boyfriend but my best friend, a relationship so many believe is impossible. During the beginning, I asked a lot of him in so many ways. To most, I maintained my composure, acting as if I wasn't lost from my previous relationship, but to Owen, I opened up, dropped the act and got real. While I can't say I completely know who I am, I have a very strong handle on it and am SO much happier and balanced than ever before. While we've only been together under a year, Owen and I progressed our relationship at least three times faster than most. That's just who we are and what works for us.

From the Start....Owen

Caleb and I met earlier this year. Both of us had recently gotten out of long term relationships. Caleb's was more recent than mine. It was probably not enough time for us but I feel we made it work. We worked hard through the residue from our previous relationships. Caleb and I are relationship people-we prefer being in a relationship than not being in one. During the period between the time my ex and I split and the time I met Caleb, I went on two dates. There was no connection. When I met Caleb, it was very different-good different. He had good energy and we had an instant connection. I had that feeling of "I never want this date to end". Plus I think we were pretty much on the same page...we were ready to be spoken for. We are intense individuals so it didn't take long for us to put our feelings on the table. It took me awhile to see that it is nothing wrong with being intense. I just have to be aware of what comes with this type of personality and manage it accordingly-the good and the bad.

I can remember sitting across from Caleb on our first date. He was attentive, interested and gave me full attention. He asked the right questions and gave the right answers. His smile melted my heart. Caleb was quite candid about himself. We pretty much had a positive outlook towards the relationship from the start. I was floored when he asked me in our first month if I would date him exclusively. The fact that he knew what he wanted was very attractive.

Caleb and I grew up in the suburbs of DC-just a half an hour away from each other but never knowing each other. Both of our parents have been married for 30 years and were actually married in the same year. Caleb and I come from a humble backgrounds but did not lack anything in our childhood especially love. Because of our backgrounds, we appreciate every single thing that we have and take pride in what we have accomplished so far in life despite only being in our twenties. I think Caleb and I see what our parents have and desire something similar yet different. I can still see the love my father has for my mother even now at 30 years. It's a beautiful thing-love is a beautiful thing. As I travel through my twenties, I appreciate more each day the importance of love. Where the love comes from or where it goes to should not matter. My folks do not know that I am seeing Caleb. I am not sure how they would take it and I fear that day when I let them know about this very important side of who I am-that I am in love with a man and not a woman. Caleb is very supportive of me and my decision to keep this from my folks/family. Caleb's parents are forward thinking and support Caleb. I've met his folks and really love them. They have welcomed me into their lives. It feels great to be able to hold Caleb's hand, fall asleep in Caleb's arms or even dance with Caleb in front of his parents. It is evident his parents want the best for him. You can't ask anything more from your parents. Each day, I struggle with the reality of my life...how my family sees me and how it really is.

I love Caleb deeply and still can not believe I found someone like him.