Relationships and Rollercoasters

ROLLERCOASTERS & RELATIONSHIPS

         As I climbed into the seat of the rollercoaster, a feeling of nervousness raced through me. It was a feeling that many may have found to be very familiar. Sitting in this ride brought me back to reflect on moments, feelings and emotions of being in a relationship. Once the safety locks were fastened, I sat and held on for the ride ahead. Upon entering, during and ending a relationship, you yourself become locked in and anticipate some sort of position for the ride that lies ahead. The rollercoaster begins to move and it feels a little shaky. At some moment on the ride you grab on to the bars, you are leaning back as the ride moves towards the top of one of its many falls. During some point in a relationship, you feel a need to hold on.
         You meet someone for the first time and you aren’t at first at ease, you feel a little nervous. At the same time you look forward to developing some sort of oneness. You say to yourself, “ok I’m ready” and then you take off. Along the way at some point you know there are going be good times, bad times, ups and downs. The same aspect of a rollercoaster gives you a similar feeling. You are on the ride, sitting there and you know this ride will be fast. Soon it will slow down, curve and swing, but you already anticipated what is to come so now you are ready for takeoff.
         Locked in this ride, you take a look at your partner and the eyes say “let’s go, we are now committed and what we are about to experience, we will encounter together”. Whether this ride is fast or slow, you have now been locked in, the conductor has walked away and you cannot get off. The minute, hour or second you commit to the relationship, you yourself become locked in to this union, whether it be a marriage or relationship. The two of you vow to become monogamous with each other, look out for each other and love one another.
         Slowly, slowly the ride takes off. You find yourself grasping on to your partner and your heart is beginning to beat faster and faster. At times you smile because you are getting excited. However, there are the moments you frown and become afraid of what is going to happen next. Everyone falls back and finally you are at the point of the climb. Along this climb the ride begins to rock and your body begins to jerk. Your partner on the other side looks as though he has had enough. He is ready to get off the ride prematurely. Although you are on your way up, you are approached with the same battles, bumps and rocky moments that often take a toll on a relationship. Your skin may be tougher than his so you have the ability to adapt and to withstand the drop down. Many can’t stand the pressure of the inevitable fight against gravity. Many close their eyes and can hardly wait till the ride is over. The ride may feel so good to the other person because they are so used to the wind blowing, the jerks, and the rocks of a past relationship because such person has adapted to the windfall.
         At the top now of the coaster, you’re sitting high and the adrenaline is racing through your body. During the climb you have been confronted with the pressure, the motions, anxiousness and the realities of your journey. In any aspect of a relationship you may see yourself at the point of dropping very sudden. You are at the peak in the moment of your union where you could drop together or fall apart. During the fall you are grasping for air, your heart may feel like it’s about to jump out your chest. You will either hold on to your partner or the intensity of the fall will break the union. Consequently, the couple begins travel on opposite poles.