A Perfect Fit

Anyone seen this guy?

We are all in search of perfection; the perfect shoes, the perfect car, the perfect job, the perfect hair. We find our way by trying on different styles - we dye and cut our hair, have piles of shoes in the closet, and a string of "careers" behind us.  

It's no different with love. When we are little, we believe that love will be a fairytale. One day, our prince charming will come along, save the day, and we will live happily ever after. Eventually, we meet (who we think will be) our prince - and get caught up in the whirlwind of our own fantasy. [Thanks, Disney.]

Sometimes, the happily-ever-after works out. I have a friend who has been with her husband for 20 years; since she was 16. They have a family, a home, a life and a love that has seen its ups and downs, but has endured.  

Other times, things don't work out that well. People change, things change, and maybe our perfect doesn't survive. So, we move on. That doesn't mean it wasn't a success. If a marriage lasts for years and produces two well-adjusted and basically happy friends, isn't that a success? If a relationship falls apart, but you have valuable lessons or a beautiful child to show for it, don't you deserve to be proud?

Maybe it wasn't permanent, but it was perfect while it lasted. Just like those skinny jeans in your closet were perfect when they were in style; or those cute stilettos are perfect with that one dress, but no other outfit; or your college job was your favorite, even though you had to give it up for a 'real' job later on. For that time, you had found your perfection. Somehow, it helped you find the next perfect thing; to become the perfect you. 

Maybe we just need to accept that life is a series of perfections. Maybe perfect isn't where we're going - maybe it's how we get there.