Shades of Gray

The best version of myself..

Plinky prompts asked me today, “Who brings out the best in you?”

I read the text and felt a smile tug at the corners of my mouth as an unexpected face flooded my mind. Unexpected because I simply haven’t known him for all that long, and because I guess I was concerned my interactions with him have been a bit, well, indulgent. 

So sure, all my memories of him have spanned a total of 2 1/2 months. And maybe we don’t classify as a “perfect fit” or a “soul-mates” or any other sort of intense label that people use to generate a feeling of fate and the comfort it (somewhat falsely) bestows. There are still a million things we haven’t shared, a thousand things we still don’t know about each other. And sure, I only actually see him every 2-3 weeks.

But here’s the thing I do know. 

I have plenty of people in my life who I know, without a shadow of a doubt, love and accept me for exactly who I am. I have been very lucky that way. But I notice that around those people, I feel little inclination to change the parts of myself of which I’m not exactly proud. My gossiping side, my judgment and tendency for over-analysis find an outlet in these companions and somehow expand to fill hours of conversation that could’ve been put to much better use.

But - and I’m not sure why - around this one person, I feel calmer. Lighter. And more free. I remember how much I value living in the moment, how important it is to take each moment for exactly what it’s worth. And for some reason, I find it easier to be carefree, to be patient, and to be selfless. That’s the me I really like, that I strive to be, before getting distracted by the pressures and disappointments of life. I’m not sure why it happens with him, or even it will last, but I’m grateful. And quite honestly, I can’t get enough of it.

Maybe it doesn’t matter if you’ve known the person for a few years or a few weeks or a few decades. Chemistry can just happen - and good chemistry with a person opens up a world of opportunity, if you ask me. 

So be thankful for those people in your life who help you be the best version of yourself. And for the people with whom you share awesome chemistry. It makes the world a pretty sensational place. :)