I’ve been thinking about relationships and taking what I learned in 2005 into new and existing ones in 2006. How love means not always understanding the other person’s thought processes, motives, actions. And being OK with that.

How can we fully understand anyone? And they fully understand us? It is natural, this desire to be understood by people, especially those we love. It is comforting, even, to know there is someone who gets you on a deep level.

And yet, it is unrealistic to expect that to always be. Sometimes I don’t get that. I need to get that. It is essential to thriving relationships.

There is beauty in the unexpected. It can be breathtaking. It spurs growth and intimacy. I don’t always have to understand. I just have to love.