All Politics is Loco: A little about me, and us

In May of 2005, I parachuted out of the worst relationship I had ever been in. After my attempt at being single "for a year" in 1999 turned into a renewing subscription to "I Like Being Single" magazine, I had taken the plunge into what appeared to be a safe and smart relationship. It ended terribly, with him owing me a lot of money and a lot of apologies. But like clockwork, within one week I met someone that softened the blow of the breakup. His name is Michael and he has changed my life.
If ever a man could be patient with his partner – Michael is that man. If ever someone could compliment their boyfriend so effortlessly – Michael is that piece in the puzzle.
The relationship was an experiment for me. Could I salvage my sanity or would I dive in head-first with the man I was now falling in love with? At first I kept my distance, because I didn't want to be that "rebound" guy. Deep inside I desperately wanted to be in a functioning, nurturing, healthy and symbiotic relationship with a guy that was hot, smart, accomplished and most of all – able to make me laugh.
I met Michael, on a night when I was behaving badly, and came on to him very strong at a Detroit nightclub. We clicked, but despite the chemistry, we had competing agenda's that summer. I wanted everything. I wanted to have Mike and my freedom. It wasn't until the end of summer that I realized I was crazy about him and didn't want to lose him. By then, I learned later, I had almost lost him. Michael was clear what he wanted. I wasn't, but my heart told me, this was the guy.
My priorities have changed so much in the 16 months we've been together. I know he is the one. I know that, because for the first time in my life I genuinely feel like I have a partner and not just a boyfriend. I feel like we are a family. He is my best friend and all of our friends and family can see that we belong together. It's funny that as an advocate for equal rights, I have never been in a situation where a partner or I have needed domestic partner benefits, or had to negotiate finances and responsibilities living together – until now. We have been house hunting, and the experience of being treated like just another couple looking to buy a home has made me feel like I am entering a completely new stage of my life. A stage we get to set… together.
I didn't know what to write about this week. But then I looked into Michael's eyes and realized that the best gift I could give him on our anniversary (the day I wrote this) was to brag about him to the unknown number of people that read my column. You see … Michael moved in with me a week ago and I was working in Grand Rapids and couldn't be there for the big day. I feel like I let him down, even after all he has done to help me fix up my home in the past six months. So I wanted to use this venue to tell him that I was sorry, and that I love him.
Being single for so long and so fiercely independent, I was afraid of commitment and losing my freedom. It is a cliche but incredibly true. Not only am I not afraid anymore, I am more and more excited, each day, about the future we have together. I finally feel like the loose ends in my life are coming together at once. Career … relationship … home … and everything else seems to be in a perfect rhythm. We already have a kid together – sorta. I have adopted his nine pound baby in the form of a miniature dachshund, named Jasper.
Michael supports and encourages me every day. We are in this struggle together. A dual struggle for a gay couple trying to be all we can be in a world that wants to stop us. Like the larger struggle, we will triumph. I love you Michael.