British Travel Series: In An Ocean's Diary

Humans.

Your knit hands scrape charity

as only yoked minds do.

I can be

like you:

I will go on red. I will stomp

on green. My reaction – a timed light

switch. I admire myself, a god.

I observe, pile, demolish, wrong.

You are wrong.

My waves are no invitation of joint felicity,

but eyes of tearful cruelty. Fools,

the sun’s merry-go-round webs here.

Yellow spears and a warm bed

do not implore happy, but petition

DO NOT ENTER.

Oh, if you knew how he thrusts his heat on

me, your minds would craft censure so you would never

have to see real monsters work again. 

It

Is not an Obligation

to a person whom you care,

Nor is it a Responsibility

one can fulfill,

as a way to Promise

one’s Other Presence

in Compensation

for Absence

which will always be there.

Is not an Institution

with standard laws

which one must abide,

Nor is it an emotion of Rhetoric

that must be forced

into the depths of a Relationship

and held Accountable

for it to Thrive.

Is not a word without Consequence

due to its random Associations,

like the heart,

Nor is it a simple Concept

having Ideal repercussions,

as there are Occasions

of difficulty in distinguishing

Authentic and Artificial apart.

Is not limited by Time.

A creation of One

intended to be on Display,

But is not Ever-flowing

and limitless. Though, Ultimately,

There is a Circumstance

for which I pray.

Is not an Experience

to be taken into account,

then from one’s mind and body leaves,

Rather, it is the One thing a Moral

Human doesn’t hesitate to expel

from their Being –

That which, after Consistent

Failure to Keep, one Lives

to Seek at the Opportunity

for, yet, Another chance to Breathe. 

British Travels Series: Untitled

I tend to notice a bunch of things whiles wandering the city of Bath: History. Wealthy. Fashion and Pasty (popular pastry resembling a Patty - Yummm). In this, there are a bunch of backgrounds represented. It was a pleasure for me to sit and watch the intermingling of cultures. Not saying that they are not present where I live in the US, but the permanency of these cultures is one to be acknowledged.

French women. Spanish besos. Greeting

in style. Any style can say, "Hello!" 

Hard honking. Fingers moving. Silent

language is quite loud; a thin slice 

of cigar steamed air is quickly swiped.

Striking tones of high pitched laughter

from a child crosses paths with gasps

of my own, as I observe true felicity

in receiving a bottle of milk. White.

Pleasurable consistencies of cream. Latte

for mum. Delivered next: a saucy

platter of Bon appetit for me. 

Broken-Hearted Supplication (04/13/13)

Kiss and hug

Me all morning

When you witness

Unbearable pain live

On and on. Please,

Caress and hold

My corpse until

Hurt is forever

Dead and gone.

Image Credit: Fred Matthews

Know your absence

Melts me vulnerable

In your hands

Like falling emotions

Scattered beneath heavy

Feet that drag

Cells of love,

Multiplying as Nature

Ordained it. So,

Extend your courtesy.

Protect my sanity.

Display high chivalry.

Defend our unity!

Refrain from gluttony.

Contemplate the significance,

The moral principle-

A lover’s request-

To stand firm

Before this world,

By my side,

Unashamed and just

Relinquish to me

Kisses and hugs. 

Chocolate Canvass Series: Afterlight Affection (04/10/13)

Clean and clear expressions form from those curves

With little encouragement from blood enriched muscle.

Full size lips protect and serve their innocence.

Still, Laughter - the tongue’s first language -

Decorates the frame of such a masculine jaw line.

Tough skin, Dark skin, and Silky textures drape

All kinds of secret joys that lie underneath.

His Beauty is always best marked

Each time his high cheekbones challenge his skin

And reach the surface to highlight the moment

His eyes lift upwards to grace mine

With an intimate greeting

Every morning, noon, and evening.

And I admire the contour; his brow compliments

The slight slope that falls to the left and right

Of his nose, making it possible for dimples –

Those childlike features – to be accentuated,

Even if the lines of Age and Happiness

Have temporarily vanished.

As I stroke his hair from chin to head to nape, my

Toes curl, Muscles loosen, and Body heats up

Because he has revealed to me the hidden pleasures

Known to no one else. And I am more than content

With the honor of being a witness to the most

Memorable, Heart-felt and Genuine Smile. 

Religious Commitments & Intimate Relationships

What is one to do when you think that you've found the love of your life, but they've just revealed that their religion is different from yours? For some people, this may not be a problem. But for others, the difference in religious backgrounds can make all the difference in the way the relationship is handled in the future. This article is intended for the people in the second group, who are actively looking for advice on what to do next. Here, I will offer some advice to help approach this situation.

We all know that interrogation is one of the best methods to use in order to get to know another person, and everyone knows the first date routine lineup: "Where are you from?," "How old are you?," "What's your favorite color?," "Have you ever been convicted of murder," etc. (I'm sure that I'm not the only one who thought it helpful to get all of the the basic information out of the way, as soon as possible, so that I could move on to the more juicier topics). However mundane obtaining these basic facts may seem, one must acknowledge their significance. Personally, I do not think that I ever took the time to realize the value that lies behind these questions. That is, until now.

MY EXPERIENCE...

Image Credit: Henry Lee Battle

Perhaps it is due to the fact that I made the conscious effort to be overly inquisitive, and considered the act of dating as something done for sport, which caused me to reconsider the pace of the relationship I had chosen to involve myself in. As imagined, I ran threw the basic questions and he passed with flying colors. We were so compatible, it was incredible! Time had gone by gracefully, making a short period of time seem longer - a blissful forever - and plans were soon in the making for us to live together. Like any other woman, I wanted to make sure that his mindset was correct (i.e marriage in the future), as residing together is a major step in any relationship. The moment he opened his mouth is the same moment that time came to an abrupt stop. It was at this moment, months later after our relationship had begun, when I realized that I had jumped over an important topic altogether in my first date lineup: religion. And finding out about a partner's religious background at a point, such as this, is a challenge and a half! 

Image Credit: Henry Lee Battle

With conviction, he spoke to me saying, "I wish that religion was not so important to you." Having been raised in a Christian household, and having only ever received Christian private school education, I knew not how to respond. Still in shock at his statement, I thought to myself, "Could he be any more inconsiderate or disrespectful?" Out of my mouth came not, "What?," but a cartoon-like, extended, "WHAAAAAAAAAT?!" How easily angered I became, knowing that a relationship that I had invested in would shortly come to an end provided he could not change his mind about Christianity. I knew this was not going to be the most effective ultimatum that I had ever given to another person, but I desired immediate satisfaction. I did not want to imagine the relationship ending, so I continued with my plan anyway.

RECOMMENDATIONS...

DO NOT CONTINUE AS I DID! Understanding the perspective of other persons is vital in many aspects of life, especially in an intimate relationship. Since I was not in the mood for being patient, I refrained from taking the better route, which includes (not all, but some of) the steps that follow: 

1) Be Calm!: It is easier to overreact to the conflict that arises in this situation, especially if religion/spirituality is prevalent in your life. However tempting it may be to throw punches or hurtful words, it will benefit you more to remain calm and be prepared to talk out the differences. The worst thing that can come from acting out on anger is an irrational decision. No one is ever happy after that. 

2) Compare/Contrast and Compromise!: Although this is one of the steps that many people would rather skip, I find that it is helpful if both parties sit and talk about their beliefs. While many religious people may be opposed to listening to the traditions and values of another faith, I would argue that this could be an opportunity for the couple to grow closer,  despite their differences. One may even be surprised to find out some of the similarities between their religious doctrines! 

Image Credit: Johnny Myers

If it happens that there are some similarities that one can live with, then it may be good to know the the relationship can still be salvaged (as religion can often be a deal-breaker for many people). I do not recommend compromising your faith - that is something that no one should be requested of doing. However, it may be possible to compromise which of the religious/spiritual activities that are done when together and which ones can be done when in the absence of the other partner. Embarking on a religious/spiritual journey can be very beneficial for those who are willing to explore and learn about the things that are important to the one that they love.

3) Be Patient!: If it happens that the two of you decide to engage in the religious/spiritual activities of the other's faith or learn why it is important to your partner, then it is imperative that you display patience at all times. Being that religion has always been regarded as a sensitive topic, there is a lot of opportunity for any conversation to turn sour.   Unlike me, you want to take smaller steps in introducing these practices.

4) Ask About Religion FIRST!: Think long and hard about what questions you choose in your first date lineup. Whereas I once took religion/spirituality for granted, assuming that everyone I dated would share the same religious beliefs, it is now on my lineup list. Knowing what matters to you and presenting those characteristics is more valuable than sharing the same color or food. Ask now and there will be no issues later!

5) KNOW What You Want!: If you KNOW that you are uncomfortable with anyone who shares different religious beliefs, then you also KNOW that you should end it as soon as possible. But, for those who are unsure, take some personal time to decide if the presence of another religion is something that you are willing to embrace or not. You are an individual before you are a person in a relationship. Retain your individuality and make this personal choice count!

Trending: FWB (Friends With Benefits)

This one is for all of my female readers who have experienced, or are currently experiencing that awkward phase between being single and being in a relationship. This is about that trippy stage in life when the idea of making a life long commitment brings more fear than not having enough money to pay for bottles for your next house party. I'm talking about the "midlife crisis" status for those people who are between the ages of 18 and 25. (FWB stage for older women is called Cougar Craze, and Hefner Happy for older men - Blog Coming Soon!).  Despite the fact that this can be the most memorable part of a young persons life (a.k.a The Roaring 20's), it can also be one of the most unbearable, especially if you are the person in this situation knowing that this is not a circumstance that you want. Here is where I give a few hints - to female readers - on how to avoid simply being another temporary tasty trend, a fabulously fading fad or an easily replaceable routine.  

WARNING: This post is not intended to insult any male audiences. 

Image Credit: Nick Galifianakis

It is a known fact that men and women develop at different paces. This seems to be especially true for intimate relationships. I have a feeling that at some point between Puberty Place and Adulthood Alley, both sexes made a point to cross paths, leaving me to question this awkward location: WTF Way! The term relationship is already a word that holds a lot of weight, and because of that weight, many young adults prefer to hold out until later - whenever that may be. And this, I understand. There are a number of valid reasons for why people decide to put off entering into relationship; recent reak-up, primary focus is on a career, financial troubles (YES! You need $$), or just made parole and are no longer about that "I'll-do-anything-to-please-another-person-even-if it-means-I'll-go-to-jail" life. Again, I understand. However, what I do not understand is a person wanting all of the benefits of a relationship without having the courtesy to define/label it and give it the appropriate title. 

Yes! I am arguing that FWB is the modern day default choice of many people because they choose not to move forward towards a relationship, or regress and label it as a friendship. See ladies, what is more than likely going to happen is that you will get sucked into the most unfortunate place on WTF Way, which is a decorated dungeon shared between the Sex House and the Friendship House - the Bump Buddy basement. (Dun Dun Dunnnnnn!) Without a doubt, the worst feeling about FWB comes when feelings are realized for the person with whom you are intimately involved. It's reminiscent of a heartbreak. Being in an FWB situation does not promise the same amount of happiness that can potentially be present in an actual relationship. With FWB: All sex. Some fun. No love. 

Granted, some people may want these circumstances. But for those who do not, here are 3 ways to avoid giving the other person all of the authority to label your situation, and labeling you a FWB. 

1) Make Intentions Known: By telling your partner what your expectations are in the beginning of the relationship, you keep him on his toes. It also gives him a chance to rethink whether or not you two are on the same page at that particular point in your lives. Opening up in the beginning leaves no room for confusion later. Most importantly, stick by what it is that you claimed to have desired at the start. Do not change your mind and settle for what it is that he desires alone. Your feelings matter too. Never waste time by trying to please someone else, as there is a great chance that you will only be cheating yourself. By stating what you expect from this arrangement in the start, you keep the ball in your court. Play well!

Image Credit: SimplySquaredAway

2) Set A Time Limit: Not too long ago, a close friend told me that she sets time limits on new romantic arrangements. This time frame of 3 months was intended to give both parties a good amount of time to get to know each other before either became too comfortable. The default plan of action that hints that people have become comfortable is FWB, which is simply adding sex into the mix. Adding sex to an arrangement can be good for short term satisfaction, but it will never be helpful if the objective is to commit to a long term relationship. When two people become too comfortable with each other, they have a tendency to forget the goals of the relationship. This is never good, as it will only result in one person taking the lead, often leaving the opinion of the others behind. Always be the first one to suggest a change of pace, especially while everything is still fresh. Moving in a direction where one person takes control is not healthy under any circumstance. A partnership is a bond between two persons and not one. Action should be done together. Let the 3 month period act as a check point in your arrangement. Use it to decide what should happen next, or if you are happy with now. 

3) End It: If all else fails and he continues to play games, LEAVE. There is nothing worse than staying with a person who does not want the same things as you do. If you have been dating for less than 3 months, it shouldn't be too hard (I don't mean to be insensitive either). If you have been dating for 6 months or longer, this may be the hardest part. But think of what is best for you! Settling for someone who verbally acknowledges the fact that the two of you are not on the same page is a big NO-NO. It may be harder to leave, but it'll be worth it in the end. 

So, there it is. Yes, there are tons of other routes that can be taken to avoid this situation, but these are the ones that I think are best. Relationships are already difficult. Hope I made someone's process a little bit easier.