Melanie

I make no secret of the fact that very often, I despair of people. Whilst not tarring people with the same brush - everyone is met with an open mind, and hope - the majority of them fall into the 'I'm going to talk about myself and whatever questions I ask you must be answered by the minimum of words......preferably that means just one, as it gets in the way of the aforementioned talking about myself.....and while I prattle on, you will listen.....oh yes.....you will listen to it aaaaaalllllll.....!!' category. Needless to say I do not feel like I belong with this group.

This realisation hit hard, but it was some time ago, and the acceptance phase has long since arrived. Depressing though I found it, finding someone who genuinely takes an interest in another person - a person who 'actively' listens and doesn't transparently feign it - becomes a rare and exciting occasion; and they do exist, even if you might need a pneumatic drill and night goggles to find them! I met just such a person today.

So what merits me devoting - and even titling - a blog post to Melanie? Well; extraordinary measures for an extraordinary woman.

Out of consideration for her confidentiality I cannot divulge how we met, but in an instant we were chatting; sharing life stories, sharing conversation which ranged from the inane childish giggling and outright laughter kind to the deeper serious kind. It was truly astonishing how it felt to talk to this person. Comfortable, easy, open, exciting. It was truly a mutual exchange. In a matter of seconds we had reached a level which some of my relationships have never and will never find. I got to know her so well in the brief time we had together, and had no qualms about letting her know me. It felt good; no, it felt great! I could have talked to her all day.

We even talked about the self-absorbed people of the world I mentioned above; an opinion we very much share. She is slightly behind me in the 'process' (realised, not yet acceptance) and whilst I am lucky enough to have a truly symbiotic (not parasitic) friendship; she - I think just as she was talking - realised that she did not have even one. For someone as lovely as this, that is monumentally sad.

In a fairytale world, this story would finish with me telling you that we exchanged phone numbers and agreed to meet up. I am sad to say that we didn't, and it is highly unlikely we will meet again. I can't elaborate on the reasons for not pursuing a relationship; nevertheless the reasons existed, and they were sound, mutual ones. Sorry to disappoint you dear reader!

To be honest, I was not disappointed. I am far too old to go loopy over someone during one conversation - too much sense for that these days - but I take comfort in who Melanie is, that I had the chance to meet her, and that I shared my story with someone who deserved, and really wanted to hear it.

And yes, it didn't do any harm that she was totally stunning on the outside aswell!!

She knows about this blog, and said that she might dip in and take a look at it. Who knows? She might be reading it right now?? If you are Mel; thank you, and this post is for you!

......87 days to go......