Relationship Rollercoasters

In the midst of the spring fever that always seems to result when the temperature rises and the snow disappeares from the ground, I saw a few couples who appear to be very much in love, or at least lost in the idea of love. It seems like an unbelievably tempting thing, to get lost in love like that. I tend to see relationships in a different way though. For me, they always seem more like a rollercoaster. And you just need to pick the right one.

Some relationships are like the rollercoasters that you look at, and they look so tempting to try, but as you get closer to them, the feeling of uncertainty and doubt begins to set in. You get really nervous as you get closer to the front of the line, and when you get on, you know that the ride is going to be jerky, shaky and terrifying. Once you get on, there is no chance of getting off until the ride is over. The sense of relief when the ride stops and you are free to get off is incredible. You feel like you have just spend the longest period of your life in less than five minutes and there is no way that you ever want to get on the ride again. Sadly, these rides that leave you feeling shaken and empty can sometimes be the most addictive.

Another ride that is very similar to many relationships is the log ride. It creeps up the hill slowly and with every notch you can feel the fact that you are getting closer to the top and a bigger splash at the end. It's always something you expect. You want the splash at the end when you get on the ride and the water never leaves any permanent damage. It also never seems to leave any permanent good either.

These examples seem to be the more destructive of the rollercoasters. There is never really any good that comes with them. They can be fun, or they can be terrifying. But neither of them are ever really fulfilling. I'm still looking for the ride that is. Maybe I will find it some day, hopefully soon. Until then, I can live with the splash and the anticipation of that. That rollercoaster I'm willing to live on.