Being in a relationship challenges me

Being in a relationship is always a tough one for me.

Partially because I prefer to be by myself most of the time. I like solitude. Plus I have weird habits that I don’t like people to know about. I’d tell you what they are, but then I would be giving myself away.

The stress of a relationship hits severely by Christmas all the way through Valentine’s Day.

Just when I start to think I know my boyfriend, Christmas comes around and he’s mad because I have no idea what to get him.

I would be happy giving him a simple high-five and calling it good but then I appear cheap, which I am.

I usually don’t like buying gifts for people because they won’t tell me what they want. Without telling me what they want, I guarantee they will get a dumb gift they will most likely re-gift to someone they don’t like.

To my surprise, my boyfriend told me exactly what he wanted and where to get it. This was awesome, because I spent a few minutes on his gift and I know he’ll like it.

Then New Year’s rolls around. Usually the only thing I am thinking is, “I better know where he is so he’s not kissing a mystery girl at the end of the countdown.” 

The holidays offer way too many kissing opportunities when you add mistletoe. I have never seen mistletoe anywhere else.

Then Valentine’s Day arrives … do I really buy him a heart-shaped box of chocolates? I think he hates heart-shaped things. They should make guitar-shaped chocolates or something. Can’t I just get him a case of beer and another high-five?

I guess Valentine’s Day is more catered toward women but I don’t really like hearts either. I would rather have beer instead too.

Then the rest of the year happens and it’s almost as stressful. This time includes birthdays, equipped with the same gift challenges.

Despite the stress of the everyday trivial stuff, it’s also nice to spend time with a person who thinks I’m totally awesome and laughs at my stupid jokes, even when they aren’t funny.

Candice Boutilier is the Columbia Basin Herald assistant editor. We suspect marriage is not even a consideration … yet.