In the last month, I have met someone.

Now, I have not always had the best experiences when it comes to relationships, so of course I am very weary of relationships in general.

This person came out of the blue, and he has so far proved himself to be the person I have always dreamed of meeting.

He makes me laugh, he tells me how nice I look all the time, he makes me incredibly happy and most importantly, he respects and admires my recovery.

These are all things that I wanted so badly in a relationship, but I had never found them before.

Most of my relationships in the past occurred during my drinking days, and I really do believe that my alcoholism affected them.

There were times I dated men who were heavy drinkers themselves, and I am here to tell you that two alcoholics together do not mix well at all.

When they say that incredible things happen during sobriety, they are not kidding.

For now, this person and I are taking things slow.

We talk every day and we see each other when possible, as he lives out of town.

Long-distance relationships do not always work out, but you just never know.

Romance will come in time, when you least expect it.

Andrew Paisley is a senior journalism major. He can be reached at 581-2812 or at abpaisley@eiu.edu.