The B Word

“This is Sarah, leave a message”. “Hey Sarah, this is Esther, your cousin from Boston. I am in LA visiting my boyfriend and friends and was wondering if you are around so we can see each other. Give me a call back when you have a chance.” As I said the B word R’s head spun around and he gave me a big smile. “So I am your boyfriend?” R asked me with a grin on his face. “Well, do you consider me your girlfriend?” I answered.

It has been a couple of years since the B word came into my life and usually it makes me anxious, but as I heard it come out of my mouth, it felt right to say that R is my boyfriend. Usually to get to the girlfriend and boyfriend stage there is a process. The first stage is meeting and going on a few dates. At this phase it is okay to go on dates with other people and you know in this period if you want to continue going on dates or say “I’m all set”. However, once past the phase of dating you move onto “seeing each other”. This constitutes as you are not actively seeking anyone else to date but you are not meeting the family yet. After a couple of months of “seeing each other” usually the B or G word pops up in random conversation or introductions.

“Yes.” R replied.

My trip to LA went fabulously. R and I went to Disney, shopped on Rodeo Drive, walked the Pier in Santa Monica, strolled the beaches of Malibu and spend hours talking about life. Although all of these activities sound amazing and enjoyable, I did get to experience R’s real life. It is important to be aware when in a long distance relationship that each person needs gets to know the “real” individual within these short visits. Vacation can jade reality but because R had to work and take care of his family I was able to better understand him in different situations.

As much as I anticipated this trip to LA, I anticipate upcoming trips with even more excitement. The heartache of leaving was overwhelming but I know with time R and I will be able to be together.