After seven years single (give or take six months here and two months there), I’ve realized how much I’ve underestimated the concept of pacing. A major factor in compatibility is how quickly (or slowly) two people want their relationship to move, and whether or not that speed matches. In my experience, if both people are too slow, the connection fades away. If both are too fast, you’ve got a supernova situation. If one person is slow and the other fast, it creates a tortoise and hare “you don’t like me as much as I like you” or “we don’t want the same thing right now” discord. Just right, and you’re introducing him to your parents.
I don’t remember the last time the pace felt just right to me, which would explain why I haven’t introduced anyone to my parents in nearly a decade. Keep reading »
