Signs, Signs and More Signs...

Mirela, I think you're being way too hard on yourself.  Remember that those are not just YOUR failed relationships.  It takes two.  You can be doing everything right, but if the other person isn't, then it's going to fail (or vice versa).

You start out by liking and/or loving something about the person, and you get to know them better and they are usually on their best behaviour when you're with them (and vice versa, again).  You really only start to get to know someone when you live with them.  Again, everyone may be doing everything right, but it just takes ONE very bad behaviour to ruin it all. 

Give yourself a break. You're a great person.  You have great qualities.  You have raised children that seem to have great values.  They learned that from you.  You're their mirror. 

I know ... I know ... I beat myself up all the time too, I have lots of faults ... I wish I was a better person, etc..... BUT I've come to realize (better late than never), that no matter how hard I try and no matter what I do, if my friends or lovers or even clients - if we don't have the same values and the same goals (and the same integrity, etc.), it isn't going to work... and THAT is out of my control and not my fault. 

I've always wondered what it would be like to be in a long-term relationship. Then again, I'm somewhat curious as to what short-term relationships are like. It's been so long, I can't quite remember.

I take that back....

I dated someone 8 years ago...we decided to be friends (and great friends we are).

Though I have sent out a few blue roses here and there over the years, I do feel that one day, I will be calling in that order of 108 (red)...with a little luck.

Until then, I live life like there's no tomorrow: 

Travel biz on Friday...Car show on Saturday...Doctor's weigh-in on Wednesday (I bet I lost 4 more pounds!!!)...trip to Cleawater Beach in 5 days...to the mountains on the 12th...back home to remodel my Bedroom...a little real estate here...a little there....a sister's birthday party...back to Florida...a little travel biz here and there...MY BIRTHDAY...Football starts....

I'm so busy having fun, sometimes I forget I'm miserable.

:)

Having a life can certainly make for good distraction!  Chris, I wish you all the luck in finding the one to send red roses to!

Thanks, pal!

I guess it's a "sign" of better things to come for you.  Thanks for the post - Funny!

Mirela:

I think we need to look at these relationships a little more optimistically (all puns intended). They truly would have been "mistakes" if you had not recognized they weren't right (even if it wasn't you doing the recognizing). The mistake would have been staying in relationships where one side wasn't willing to fight for the health of the relationship.

Or . . .think of those relationships as practice. Tamara makes an excellent point: some people's life path does not include one long term relationship. We were designed to touch many lives and when they learn what they need from us, they rightfully move along.

It doesn't make it any easier or lessen the loneliness but it should minimize the self blame. You can "do everything right" and still, they move on.

What I love about you, though, is that you do take is an opportunity for self growth and you keep yourself accountable for the parts that are your responsibility.

The one lesson I think you SHOULD take from the billboards. . . date less high profile men. LOL. First date question, "Now do you see yourself advertising your business on a billboard?"

"Yes?" Your answer, "Next?" LOL

The signs were priceless! I especially loved the handicapped sign. They all need to carry that caveat.

Lisa

I was about to post another sign montage but now I'll have to wait a few days so people don't think I stole the idea from you. Have yourself a great little holiday. I'm up in the cool Colorado mountains and will be enjoying life. Going to see Leon Russell tonight. Life is good and so am I. (and so are YOU).

Mirela, these were just too, too funny! Thanks for the good laughs.

Those signs were too funny!  Must be hard to see the exes on billboards around you.  Maybe you should get even, and buy a billboard advertising your business!

I am not a big fan of billboard advertising- I would hate to have to see my enlarged face everytime i drive home or to the office!

If I am ever in Myrtle Beach, I will look you up-I love getting people in trouble!  As long as they don't end up in jail or hurting some one.....(except the exes, of course:) )

Mirela- Adn: Teenaged boys and alcohol and driving- REALLY BAD!

Don't anticipate any trips at the moment, but ya never know

California has a provisional license- for the first year, they are not allowed to drive with any passengers under age 25 in the car.  It is a hard one for the kids, because they all think they are invulnerable, but the law is the law, and now I am not the bad guy, the government is!  We've been lucky, no accidents with the kids.  (Just me, but that is another story.)

Hello Mirela - Seeing your ex-es up there- larger than life! Yuck! I would probably take a different road!! LOL I love the signs you included. I can't find the picture , but my husband and I had a fun time posing by the "YELLVILLE" sign in Arkansas! !! 

The right one's out there somewhere, Mirela.  Those who fail to study history are doomed to repeat it. (Someone famous supposedly said that, not me.)  The billboards give you a good reminder of what NOT to do.

Carol, I try real hard not to be disagreeable here but your comment about the government being the bad guy kinda sticks in my craw.   I guess I've just seen too many occasions where the parent didn't want to be a parent and wanted someone else to step in and be responsible.  "Look honey, it's not me, it's the government that says you can't drive."

Parents need to be parents, not friends.  Glad to see Mirela took good care of her kids making sure they knew what they were doing.  To bad more didn't!!

Thanks for the laugh, Mirela.  I loved those signs -especially the "back toward your behind".

I think I will use my billboard as my new signature

Thanks for the idea Mirela ;)

...or maybe not...

Now I have to look up delete post in the FAQ