Mikecom21hotmaiL has wanted me to post to this thread for a while now.
I'm ready, Michael.
In late November of 2007, I joined JSH to get to know someone whom I was dating better. Yes, I was very disappointed that it didn't work out.
For this reason, I decided to leave the site. Frankly, after many years, trying to meet someone of quality whom I had common interests and chemistry with had proven futile and I was tired of trying.
Dejectedly, I had pretty much made the decision to go it alone from then on. I was in the process of shutting down my profile and giving up on meeting anyone special when I came across a friend request that had been sitting in my inbox for a little while. I thought about deleting it the same as all the others in the box, but I was attracted to something in the way he carried himself, his coloring, smile, and the twinkle in his eyes. Being tall and fit didn't hurt matters, either.
Of course, I was in a negative state of mind and doubted that he'd understand my needs and desires, my hopes and dreams. His profile sounded flexible, caring, and open-minded, though. Sure, it could have all been creative writing. What did I do? I linked him to another dating site where I kept a blog and posted to the forums, saying "lets get real". It was an alternative site and I never thought I would hear from him after that. I was sure he'd run. Yes, I was in a *****y mood.
Imagine my surprise to hear from him after that email, to get emails, IMs, and to find him in hot pursuit. To say it was heady would be an understatement. Through copious messages, we shared individual interests and found we had quite a bit in common with each other, after all. We laughed, we were impressed with the other's intelligence and kindness, their understanding and open-mindedness. Most surprising was when I realized that he had genuine interest and desire for a way of life I never expected to discover in a man on a nilla site.
I remember I had just gotten over the Flu and had lost my voice in the week before New Year's Eve. He offered to bring me home-made chicken soup on the eve of the New Year. I was just too sick to meet that night, but he was incredibly persistent. The chemistry was strong between us. I was so very tempted, but he seemed genuine enough that I knew if I wanted this relationship to be successful, we needed to pace ourselves.
So, I firmly but sweetly said no.
Now, "no" is not something Michael enjoys hearing, so he persisted, spending the entire night chatting with me online. It was incredibly intoxicating - his interest and pursuit. Despite my voice, he got me to speak to him briefly on the phone that eve. Well, all I'll say is that our fireworks joined the ones in the air that night. 
We decided to meet for breakfast and test the face-to-face chemistry a few days later. Needless to say, we were a match.
Since then, Michael proudly introduced me to the forums on jsh. I like to write, share, help, and learn from others, but I'm used to a different venue. So of course, some of what I write has been eye-opening, to say the least. All the same, Michael and I know that there are many on jsh who appreciate my candor and open-mindedness, so the posts will continue for the time being.
Remaining members of this site and others has proven to create some special challenges for us over the months.
We have navigated them well, which is a testament to our flexibility, without sacrificing personal integrity, needs, future goals, or standards. Relationships are not easy and they take commitment and work to survive and function well. To be creative and generative. Our relationship is young and we are still learning about each other - both the desirable and the not so desirable. Yes, we are at that "weighing in" stage, both literally and figuratively. 
What is clearly coming through it all is that we are motivated to make this work, that we are committed to each other and the relationship, and that we are very much in love.
I like Michael very much as an individual and as a Man. I know he values and feels pride in me, too. I have never met someone like him. The way he talks with and teaches my little one brings joy to my heart and a tear to my eye at times. He means very much to me and my family. He is a dream come true.
We have stood by each other during some difficult times already, whether they be health, career, or family related. I know the longer we are together, the stronger our bond will become. I already feel a sense of belonging and being held.
We are very happy to announce that we will be moving in together in the very near future; and, marriage is clearly in the cards for us within the year.
Love does happen when you aren't looking.
Thanks, jsh!
angelindarkness and Mikecom21hotmaiL
