THE LAST AMERICAN POST

You won't be hearing from me again till I hit European Soil.

That being said, I want to concentrate on the completely unrelated topic of relationships.

The topic is over-examined for sure… but I think I have some insights that need some reflection. 

Firstly, most people look for humour and good looks in a relationship. Let's face it; how many times have you asked, "what's s/he like?" and gotten the response, "s/he's funny, and i love her/his smile!"

That's a great start to a relationship as it fuels the initial excitement. But these funny/attractive people are nothing if they don't respect you. Dear friends, take a good look at your wants in a relationship - having a good smile and a slew of witty remarks are something a person can have independently of you… what's most important is how you are treated and how you treat your significant other. Respect. A two-way street. 

Ladies and gentlemen, take a step back and reassess where you stand before you stay with someone who exhausts you. SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS PEOPLE!

Secondly, little things mean a lot! Today is my parents 33rd anniversary. My parents are celebrating by being on their respective computers, sitting aside one another on the dining table. It's a funny occurrence. They talk about their friend requests and posts on fb. They both remark on my tardiness for dinner.

When Mom receives a bouquet of flowers today, she's concerned:  "I didn't get him anything… not even a card! Should I get him a card?" This happens to her every year. Perhaps one of these days, she'll learn to plan ahead for her anniversary, hehe :)

33 Years and all Ma gets is a bouquet of Flowers?
(I'm joking, of course, they're beautiful)

Thirdly, some relationships only need food and drink to kindle them. I spent a wonderful evening eating and drinking at Thai-Xing as the snow accumulated outside.

Homestyle Eating:  Pass the Papaya Salad!

We had our fill of eggplant, fish, pad see ewe, chicken wings… all cooked to perfection, oh.. and wine. We were full, rosy, warm - and eager to have a snowball fight!

Me - "Let's Ask Them to Take our Photo!"
Friends- "No, you kidding?! We're in DC, idiot!"

Resultantly Missing in Photo- +David Horton
with +Grace Gilday , +Caitlin Roberts,  +colin smith, +megan cleary. +graham madden

Fourthly, stay in touch. Remember that relationships don't leave, just because you do. I'm completely indebted to my friends who've stayed true, regardless of time and country of residence. Being home means I'm perpetually meeting up with old friends, including Dana and Veronika (not pictured).

Still Celebrating Christmas at the Horton Household! @dana s

I met up with old friend, @Eliot Johnson too - forgot to take a picture, but I'm indebted to this man for instilling a confidence in me - and a disregard for norms. Here's us a year ago, mischievously jumping on the set of Down the Road. 

Lastly, if you forgo all relationship advice I have about friends… Well… keep your family close. They can be pretty entertaining and appropriately crazy :) What happens when you ask them to pose?

+marinelle zarraga , You Brought This Upon Yourself :)

SAYONARA AMERICA