Flex those muscles!

So I mentioned a post or two ago that I wanted to write something about flexibility. I have been thinking about this topic quite a bit since then. Lots of things have come to mind, and I'm not really sure how to focus the topic. May be one that gets some repeat posts in the future. So I guess I'll start off by stating the obvious. All relationships require some flexibility. Friends, family, intimate partners and so on. We are all humans, we all have free will, and we all have people in our lives that frequently do not do what we would like them to do, or for that matter, what we tell them to do. I think flexibility is particularly important in intimate relationships. Power is an interesting dynamic in partnerships, and I think to keep as even of a playing field as possible, the players have to be flexible.
This topic makes me think of compromise. I remember the subject came up in my couple's counseling class and a classmate stated, "I don't believe in compromise in relationships, because that means someone always has to give in, and I think that leads to resentment." I thought a lot about that comment at the time, and now in this post. I don't think that compromise and flexibility are synonymous, but I do think they are related. In order to be willing to compromise, or accepting of compromise requires some flexibility, which I believe is essential to making relationships work.
To bring this back to the topic of LDRs, I'll bring it back to my relationship. I think the foundation of an LDR is flexibility. Obviously, I would prefer to NOT be in an LDR. But I can't get my way on that right now, so I have chosen to be in one to maintain the relationship. That is just one example of having to bring some flexibility back into things, since I set a rigid boundary in my head four years ago that I would NEVER do it again. I guess there is a reason they say never say never.
On that note, when we agreed to do it, we said six months MAX. Not quite like saying never, but you get the idea, as we are nine days away from celebrating one year apart. On a more positive note, I think I am learning to become more flexible about navigating the relationship. Only took me 11 months or so, but to coin another old saying, better late then never. I am not so rigid about talking on the phone everyday, and I am really trying to focus more of my energy on being happy in general rather than being sad and frustrated about the relationship not being ideal. After all, being sad and frustrated about things is really just non-productive, and not conducive to being successful in an LDR. I am also trying to let go of needing a plan. Although I do think it is a really important part of being in a LDR, and I do still really wish we had a plan, I am learning and trying to accept that is just isn't always possible. And plans can certainly change very quickly, so it isn't a guarantee or an insurance policy. So on that note, nothing new to report. Richard is still in Kansas. His departure date is still TBD. I'm looking forward to seeing him for Thanksgiving in just a couple more days. Four nights in the same bed is going to be glorious! And we had a great weekend just two weekends ago, so I almost feel spoiled. So in closing, things are moving along. I'm going to keep reminding myself of the serenity prayer. I don't always get my way. I can't expect to, so I have to practice mindfulness. I have to just keep trying to do my best to stay open minded, and of course, the word of the day, FLEXIBLE!!