Monday, December 29, 2008

Love Triangles

A love triangle is a romantic relationship involving three people. While it can refer to two people independently romantically linked with a third, it usually implies that each of the three people has some kind of relationship to the other two. The relationships can be friendships, romantic, familial (often siblings), or even pre-existing hatred between rivals.

Ok, now that we have the definition clear, we need to discuss my situations and get this shit clear. You all know that I hate drama and that I am a lay the cards on the table kind of girl.

There are two 'triangles' in my live that need some attention:
I'm not sure whether to start with the most recent or the one that's been going on the longest...guess I'll start with the most recent.

1) Jennifer, Nick, and Mike

Situation: Nick and I have been having a great time getting to know each other. I really like him and hope things continue to progress as they have been. It seems that one person has a potential to get in the middle of our relationship and that needs to be avoided at any cost. Mike is a great friend. He and Nick have been friends forever and although Mike and I have known each other for a long time, we have just recently started communicating on a more regular basis. It seems as though it is very possible for Mike to be a link between Nick and I that could cause some conflict if Nick and I aren't up on our communication. I am big on keeping conversations between the people who had them, but as we all know they tend to get out from time to time and we are all guilty of letting that happen.

Priority: My growing relationship with Nick.

Solution: To avoid having things become complicated and problems arising, my solution for this situation is simple. Nick and Mike have been close friends for a long time and I don't want anything to happen to that. Also, I am really excited to see where things go with Nick and I and I don't want to jeopardize that. I am going to stop texting with Mike and stop telling him more than casual conversation things. Don't get me wrong, I still consider Mike a good friend, but the communciation can't continue as it has been or I fear that it may cause an unintentional mess. Hopefully if these guys read this they will understand.

2) Chris, Meredith, and Jennifer

Situation: So you all know my relationship with Chris...he is one of my best friends and we know each other very well. He has had a rough year and that's all that needs to be said about that. Although his relationship isn't perfect (who's is) they are trying to make things work out. Meredith and I didn't get along at first...I think that she was concerned that there was more between Chris than there is. Once she understood that we were friends and nothing more we began to get along a lot better. However, she has spent a lot of time confiding in me about things happening in their life. Although, I am happy to be a friend and listen, one thing I will no longer do is try to help her in dealing with Christopher. Don't get me wrong, I want things to work with them...if that's what Chris wants, but they have to live that themselves. I cannot be the link between them. It took one simple question and one conversation for me to hit a wall with this middle man, triangle crap...I realized in that moment, that this wasn't working for me.

Priority: Christopher and my friendship with him.

Solution: Although I knew it wouldn't go over well, the solution was simple. I had to tell Meredith that she couldn't come to me for all the answers. I am happy to be her friend and to listen to her vent, but I cannot always tell her (or Chris for that matter) what to do when it comes to their relationship. They are in a relationship with each other and they need to communicate and work things out. As long as Chris is with Meredith I will be open to that and as friendly as I can be to her. She is a fun girl to hangout with. However, when push comes to shove, Christopher is my best friend and I have to have his back....which I always do. However, my friendship with Chris and his relationship with Meredith need to be separate...if they start to intermix it gets messy and I can't handle that drama. Thus, as it stands now...I consider Meredith a friend and wish them both the best, but I will not be involved in their relationship in any fashion. The most I can do is offer Chris advice when he comes looking as he always does for me.

*Now if things work out as easy as it sounds on paper we will be set. I do think that everything happens for a reason and what's meant to be will. I don't think that any of the friendships and relationships here can truly be affected my one person or one conversation. I believe that friendships and relationships are gifts to us and some are meant to last longer than others, but all have a purpose and how long they last, how they work out, and how they end if they ever do is beyond our control. So look up, have Faith, and enjoy the ride!

I love you all!
~Jen :)

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