Tale of three men

[julie]

I have separated from my partner of five years and moved, at least temporarily, to a different city, because of problems we were having. He would like to stay together; I'm not so sure. But we have an enormous love and respect for one another, and we're able to carry out that respect for one another consistently in our relationship, which I value tremendously.

How to be with my long term partner: 61.5 to 41.

In the meantime, I unexpectedly got involved with someone here. I would never have thought him a candidate for a long-term relationship, and if I were to become involved with him, it would send my life on a very different course, which would involve significant loss. However, a rather unbelievable connection with him has emerged. It has felt like we somehow open up for one another a channel straight to God.

How to be with my new lover: 11.1,2,3,4,6 to 35

And an old friend of mine has come to visit, who would also love to be with me. He would be an engine behind anything I want to do, someone who would love me forever, someone I could absolutely count on, someone whose dreams lines up closely with my own. But there's nothing like the electric connection I feel with my new lover, and at times he feels almost like an extension of myself.

How to be with my old friend: 11.3 to 19.

Any help sorting this all out would be much appreciated. TIA.

 

[elias]

An embarrassment of riches!

The separated lover: 61.5 has various interpretations of a half-full/half-empty sort. By your own description, you appear to be the one in charge of the direction of this mature relationship. The line confirms this. Should you decide to continue, you will need to give up something -- your independence, perhaps -- for the greater good. On a slightly more positive note, your firmness in dealing with the situation may influence your partner's development and the relationship could break through into another level of commitment.

The new lover: 11.5 (I'm of the school that looks to the single unchanging line in this circumstance): The image is of a marriage between people of unequal status. This can succeed, but it also requires a sacrifice of some sort on your part, and great caution that the initial inequality does not come to define the relationship. That being said, there is the potential for a rich and rewarding exchange. 35 is equally optimistic.

The old friend: 11.3 "No plain not followed by a slope." This relationship may seem positive at the moment, but some decline is sure to follow. That is, of course, true in all relationships. 19 also has the warning that "in the eighth month there will be misfortune." Should you elect to pursue this, you will need to work through some difficulties. Not impossible, but it will take a real commitment by both parties. Judging by your post, it does not sound as if you are ready for that commitment.

 

[julie]

Thanks, elias.