Maybe this is true for some of you, but I don't buy into the whole "my significant other is my best friend," bullshit. I was reminded for maybe the millionth time, tonight, that no matter who I may meet and form a bond with in the future, one Christopher L. Klein is my hetero-lifemate. We met when we were 10 years old, and at the ages of 39, we have far more history together than any of our significant others could ever hope for. From awkward preteen years, to painful highschool awkwardness, all the way through serving our country together, and beyond: the one 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 in my life, has been a man named Christopher Klein. He has always been the quiet, sensitive counterpart, to my brash and sarcastic side. I have often joked that together, we make one complete person. He is a man of few words, but when he speaks (at least to me), he always knows what needs to be said... or not said. We have the type of friendship that no matter what separates us, whether it's time and/or distance, having been separated by more than a year, and half the globe numerous times; we always pick up as if no time or distance has passed. There is not a single hardship in my life, whether physical or emotional, that I would not trust him to have my back on. He proved this again tonight, starting off with a simple belated Christmas gift of a simple toy and bottle of whiskey, but followed it up with just the simple ability to listen without judgement. I have been struggling with the worst emotional struggle of my adult life, recently, and he was just 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 for me. No judgement, no cliché advice, no awkwardness when I broke down and cried in front of him. Just plain and simple understanding. He knows all my darkest secrets, and me, his; and we're still friends. Whether from choice or necessity, our bond has stood the test of strain and time. He is the family I have chosen, and the family I have been given by fate, and regardless of what happens in the future, he is the one person I can count on to eventually mourne my passing 😅. Maybe it's the type of friendship that everyone has with at least one person, but it's pretty goddamned special to me, and I cherish it. And now, having drank most of the bottle of whiskey he got me for Christmas, I'm going to open and play with the Predator action figure he also got me 😂
