You'll just Know

When I was younger and first started dating, I asked my mom how I would know if someone I met was really right for me. "You'll just Know!" she replied. That's it? No words of wisdom, no explanation? That was all I got. I thought she might have left something out, or just didn't want to talk about it or wanted me to ask my dad, or maybe SHE didn't know (which was kind of scary because she and my dad have been together for as many years as I have been alive). It took me a long time to realize that she was right and for once being very precise and succinct in her advice. Of course, part of this prophetic advice only comes to fruition with the experience of dating a lot of people who make you know they are NOT the one. It becomes a mass process of elimination combined with a mental list of what your strengths are, what strengths in others compliment these, what you are really looking for, and what compromises you are willing to make. Recently I have met someone who makes me feel like I might "Know." It was one of those Broadway moments - "Some enchanted evening, you may see a stranger..." It's too soon to really say for sure and I certainly don't want to jinx it, but that feeling is there. I try not to think about the fact that I'm not getting any younger, and my priorities and goals have shifted greatly from the days of my twenties and early thirties. It would really be nice to "Know." Part of me is telling me that I do - that part that throws practicality to the wind and is really just a hopeless romantic. The more cautious and rational part of me is saying take it a day at a time. So far, I get an incredible feeling whenever he is around, look forward to his little text messages throughout the day, and feel compelled to make him feel the same way. Is this "The Knowing" my mother spoke of? I guess part of the magic of the knowing is in the not knowing. . .but so far, it feels pretty good!