The phantom relationship
This post isn't about my late, nonexistent relationship with Cindy — the girl I'm in love with — though that is definitely a relationship that existed only in my head. No, this is about the strange phenomenon I call the "phantom relationship," when you do things like you were in a relationship. But you're not in a relationship anymore. To what can I liken this phenomenon? Let's see. Back in October last year, I had laser eye surgery, which allows me to forego the use of corrective lenses. So, when I applied for a new driver's license this year, I simply had to take a little eye test (which I nervously plodded through), and I got my corrective eyewear designation changed to needing no corrective lenses. That's pretty amazing to a guy who has worn glasses or contacts since he was 12 years old. The habits ingrained in me from nearly 30 years of using glasses or contacts are hard to break. After my surgery, when I would go to bed, it felt strange ...