Road Work Ahead

08/2006

In July 2004, I wrote a column called “The Rehearsal Dance”. Maybe you have it memorized. Maybe you use it as a bedtime story. Probably neither. In any case, I like to think of my writing as reading that is good for most ages which brings me to my point: drug addiction. Bear with me.

In the above-mentioned column, I describe a certain sexy dance number. WARNING: when it comes to that kind of dance – wait. Wait for one good guy to pave a long, smooth, safe road to travel (by car, by foot, by bicycle, by little red wagon, while eating, drinking, kissing, laughing, crying and kissing some more!).

The dance is so much fun – why wait? I hear you. Here’s why: last weekend, without practice or rehearsal, a friend of mine happily performed it for her man. In the moment, it was one of the most enjoyable times of her life. Her creative energy was enough to make anyone believe the world is a perfect place.

Unfortunately, one week later, her audience of one likened her to a drug habit. Worse, his words felt as authentic as anything he’s ever said to her about their relationship.

While her time with this man was full of sweet love and fun firsts, being likened to a drug habit was horrible. If he couldn’t quit her, she’d have to quit him, I advised. Any loving woman would. He deserves a drug-free life and love. If only it were that easy. I hear you.

Just remember this – the dance is precious. Valuable. Powerful. Please don’t be foolish with it. Practice it, play with it, but when it comes to that kind of dance – please wait.

It’ll take time.
It’ll take a man.
Wait.