From the vineyard

Is it better to indulge in grapes once they are ripe or enjoy a bottle of wine after years of further processing?

One would say it is best to live in the moment. That to worry about the unknown future is a waste of time. It is however, true to some extent and in some circumstances. Being in a relationship or being single is a matter of choice

Being single is like having a box of fresh fruits at your disposal. You can choose when to eat immediately or refrigerate them. Some would say it is freedom. You get to see whoever you choose and do whatever it pleases you at any given time. You are not expected to account to anyone. Singlehood allows you to define, understand and accept who you are. You get to discover what works for you and what you are willing to compromise on when in companionship. It is a rush of an adrenalin ride. You date knowing that the affair however sweet will be short-lived. Fun and excitement are in abundance. You wake up, get fashionably dressed to go fishing. It is some kind of a leisure activity because once you have caught a fish; you throw it back in after a while. It has been said that there are plenty of fish in the sea. There is no need to settle.

A relationship on the other end requires a lot more, patience. It is an ongoing process. It is taking a leap of faith. You choose one kind of kind of grapes and hope it works out in the end. A relationship is like a process of making wine. Its pleasure is enjoyed at the end of the process but the satisfaction of every effort and labour put in is rewarded throughout the process.  It is a partnership that requires work and compromises. It allows you to grow even further and discover qualities you did not you had; whether good or bad. When with a partner you learn to accept and embrace them. When you are in a relationship, you are not only a partner but a friend and at times a mentor. Fun and excitement is not forgone, because when you all that and more, the ride is worthwhile. You get to enjoy the fruits of your labour with the one who held your hand throughout. It does not become a leisure activity but a lifestyle.

Singlehood allows you to choose to indulge in any kind of grapes you desire. You get to enjoy the pleasures of every distinct flavour each holds. It works as whatever quality you look for in a partner you get. Although you cannot have all those qualities packaged in one bag, you got to keep on moving. In a relationship you learn to accept what other qualities you forgone and appreciate those distinct flavours you did not expect. It all starts with the same desire but end in different satisfactions.