Teammates

In the seven and a half years Bernie and I were in a long-distance relationship, we managed the challenges of it pretty well. While we missed each other, we maintained an emotional closeness that lasted even though the physical separation. It wasn’t ideal, but it was… okay. Even so, when we were able to finally able to live together this past September, it was a huge improvement for both our our daily lives.

The one thing we struggled with was the inability to materially support each other in the day to day. It meant we couldn’t do much for each other if one of us needed help with something practical. So now, it’s a revelation to be able to actually take life burdens off of each other’s shoulders. When one is busy, the other can pick up the slack with making dinner or running the errands. If one’s sick or not feeling well, the other can take care of them. And just normal divisions of labor are possible, where one of us can handle the stuff the other isn’t good at or doesn’t like. The difference has been huge.

The past few weeks have been rough for both of us in various ways; tons to do at work, plus some minor health issues. But we’ve done a good job trading off picking up the slack for each other. Made it all just a bit easier to deal with. I can’t say how grateful I am to be able to work as a team these days.