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Is the affair over?

We started out in August 2005, me young, free and happy, you so experienced, vibrant and offering so much. We had a great start when I was on the bones of my bum, living in huge flat shares and eating tomato soup for months on end. We had a break in 2007 when I wanted to have my Spanish adventure, and you waited for me. We saw the highs of 2008 with flaming bottles of champagne and sports cars, abundance was embraced. We had such fun. I suppose we'll refer to that as our Heyday. Then on my birthday in 2009 things changed. You seemed to contract a little. Things got a little scary there, as we questioned our role in the world, would we ever recover from this recession, would we keep our jobs; you as the best of the best, me in the world of Finance. And will we be able to come through it together?

 I really tried, I got into running for you. Its something I'll always appreciate you for. We both really showed each other the town during that time. Fresh starts didn't come better than our time at Victoria Park on a sunny morning. Frankly we just bunkered down and got on with it…its hardly surprising that those war slogans came back into fashion ….that felt like us until 2011 if we are both honest. 

While I was away all my friends kept sending photos of you, showing me how happy you were. You really were bouncing back and I know your efforts were so focused on the Olympics, which I am so proud of you for.
When I came back 2 days before the Olympics, I could feel your excitement. It was electric to be with you again. Its like you had planned the entire spectacle all for me, just to show me what you can offer me. It was the perfect proposal. And can I say all that hard work paid off, you looked sooooo good! Especially when I saw you in East London. Seriously wow!
Then I decided to be frivolous and selfish and go travelling. I knew you would wait for me, its part of your charm. I guess I take you for granted like that. Always knowing your reliable. So in July 2011 I left for a year. I didn't even support you in the Rugby World Cup. I guess that should mean something. I did come back to you for a weekend but mostly it was full of tears. I didn't want to leave you, not really. But if I didn't go I really didn't know if I could live with you much longer. I really did leave for the benefit of our relationship.

Then there was the dark days of unemployment and you really did your best in making me comfortable, offering me distractions from my own frustrations. I can't fault you, you did your best.

Its been over 8 years now and we have been through so much. Working nine to five, we've seen so many friends come and go, jobs change, health highs and lows, personal achievements and my regular travels.
Truth be told you have held your end of the bargain. You never cease to amaze me with your proud, rich cultural heritage, your enthusiasm for innovation, love of the arts and your black coats. You know how to pull a crowd as well and whilst I find it endearing, and I know its essential to your survival, it can be overwhelming.

On my walk to work this morning, I got to thinking, we have got comfortable with each other. I feel like I know you so well I don't need to ask for direction. We need to shake it up somehow. Peel back another layer because my darling London, the green green grass of home is looking very inviting. And this time I mean it.

Your Dearest Kiwi.


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