It appears to me that for a host of reasons 2008 seems to have been a rocky road for relationships amongst some of my nearest and dearest! Friends have confided on occasisons to very real anxieties regarding some quite long term relationships.

I think we all from time to time can go through bad patches, take for granted our significant others, assume they will tolerate our worst habits and vices (small or intolerable), or a particuar issue that has previously not been sorted properly festers and then rears its ugly head....we act surprised but in truth we knew it would happen. I have been with my lovely guy 7 years or so now, and to be honest of late we have had to talk things through. That is the trick of it....we hear it all the time, communication...sharing and listening are so very important throughout a relationship. I can sulk and go quiet, but I have realized that, that is neither fair to the other person....or likely to make things better and get me to where I want us to be. Taking time to do something special...as well as seeing to the mundane matters too is so important. Equally keeping the 'sparkle' in a relationship....ie hot and creative in the bedroom, or where ever is no less important I feel.

My dearest bud, and our founding father is going through a bit of a trial at the moment... perhaps even a trial period after 10 years with his man; so he is trying to focus on that and at the same time remain a wonderful father and hard working bread winner....poet, birder...friend etc etc. I know he is weary and feeling down, I trust now that both he and the quiet man (who is a sweet guy) have committed themselves to genuine loving renewal,and we shall see him back happier and stronger than ever in the coming weeks.

For me the days away on vacation in NYC and then SF I hope will prove a tonic....I for one intend to make the trip as fun, interesting, stress free...and 'romantic' as I would hope for myself. Have you told your lover today, how much you love him?

Cheerio for now....Vincent...xx

Thank you so much, hun.

Yeah, I'll be out for a while, may not be on for a couple of weeks, and I know you are going on vacation just before I am... so for the rest of you guys... keep writing here and don't let the boards go stagnant. I'll be back soon enough.

Hope everyone's summer is off to a good start.