What's the Difference?

Throughout my relationship, there has been a lot of differences. Between my partner Mark and I, we make up the most unique and balanced couple I know within our age group, and that is not always the most wonderful thing.

Mark and I are both very techy individuals. We love the Internet, complicated gadgets and whatnot. He works with HAM, an amateur radio group. I run my website, and work slightly on web design and compilation. We both are big fans of social networking: Twitter, Facebook and more.

Mark is an introvert, and loves being adventurous in the outdoors: camping, hiking, and enjoying a sunny day. I am very extroverted and an intense home-body. I love a good T.V. show and meal, under comfy blankets on the couch, on a rainy day. His nature is to accept anyone, regardless of how unnecessary their influence could be on his life. My nature is more judgmental, from an outsider's point of view, accepting all but trusting few--aware of the danger in situations. He is very patient, quiet, and purely kind. I am very loud, blunt, and deeply sentimental. We both pursue similar moral challenges and decisions, which brings us together at the end of the day, regardless of how different our personal belief systems are.

We both perform community service. He is on two Search & Rescue teams which he often trains with and explores his social skills within. I work at the library in our old Elementary school, and have helped run the public library nearby, including summer reading programs for kids. I humbly run this blog, which reaches out to teens globally, where I can share my message of love and sympathy for the most important issues. We are both passionate about our jobs and making a difference in our little worlds.

Mark and I are good compromisers: we go on muddy camping trips together, and stay in hotels with not a lot of walking distance to the town attractions. We have made some of the same friends, and have immensely separate walks of life included in each of our social circles... at one time, he was even friends with a individual who excessively bullied me (which truly shows you just how different we are). We enjoy cooking up a storm in the kitchen together, grabbing a coffee, and discussing world issues, contemplating what this crazy life would have been like if we had never found each other.

How important to YOU is difference in your romantic relationship? Do you feel safe being with someone where opposites attract, or do you feel comfortable in a similar environment with not a whole lot of lifestyle change? Growing up, I never envisioned I would be intimate with a person who liked hot weather, long hikes and the NatGeo channel... that's too much like my father!

Now, I am slowly learning to make my peace with our differences, and accept I am in a mature, give-and-take relationship that is not molded by perfect individuals, nor a fairy tale life. There is arguing, sweat, tears, laughter, and big smiles. I would not change that for anything. Today, Mark and I are celebrating our one year anniversary.