Disruption - Balancing Acts

The stars have aligned. You've met this amazing man and now you are committed to including him in your life.

Next comes the balancing act. How do you enjoy all aspects of the relationship and keep your head on straight at work? A new relationship is always exciting as you spend hours talking to each other, making plans and getting to know each other. It becomes hard to focus on anything else when you are excited about the new relationship.

This can be really disruptive to the life you've known and thrived with. It will take time, patience, open conversations and commitment on your part to keep the disruption levels down as you integrate him into your new lifestyle: the one where you enjoy having a wonderful man by your side.

All kinds of disruptions can occur when you're in a new relationship. The midnight phone calls that run until the wee hours of the morning, the wondering about when you are going to talk again or meet again, the chatterbox that seems to go on and on about what you think he's thinking and what you're feeling, how you prepare and jet off together when you stay overnight or go off on a travel vacation together, or if you find yourself in a long distance relationship with time zone differences, these can all become disruptive to the life you have known and loved.

Learning to balance each of these situations will make the transition to having it all much simpler.

With midnight phone calls, set some boundaries and be honest. If you have an early morning meeting, let him know. Suggest that you talk again the next day or evening so you can get the rest you need.

Instead of wondering about what he's thinking or having a conversation with him in your head instead of with him, ask him how he feels about the topic and let him tell you what he thinks. This will avoid any unnecessary distractions for you and you can appreciate him for who he is and what he says.

When you decide you'd like to stay together overnight or go on a travel vacation, put your overnight bag together in advance so it's ready to go. Having the comforts we love with us is important as a woman, whether it's just a short drive away or if it's on a plane to Hawaii. Being aware of where you're going and bringing what you want to take care of you is essential to your overall experience with him. When you are comfortable, you can give him your full attention and be at your best.

When you go off with him or over to his place for the night, let someone else like a friend or family member know you're going and where you'll be. It's in your best interest to make sure someone knows where you are and when you'll be coming back.

If you find yourself in a long distance relationship and need to manage time zone differences, make decisions about what time you need to sleep and talk it out with him. Be clear about how much sleep you need to get in order to maintain your excellent health and coordinate your time clocks so you can connect. Even though you want to connect, it's important for both of you to maintain healthy lifestyle habits so you can both be at your best for each other.

Loving each other through this stage of the relationship is a wonderful way to enjoy it. Notice how your life and lifestyle change as you make new choices about how you want to live with him by your side.

It takes time and patience to make these changes. Be gentle with yourself and him and be honest when it's a bit uncomfortable or unfamiliar. Be willing to make mistakes and laugh together as you continue to build the relationship of your dreams.

"It's Your Time to Have It All"