Calling you out, specifically? That wasn't my intention, sorry if it seemed like I was!

If my gf and I have plans at a specific time, of course I'll be on time. I was more referring to the times that it's a more casual set up. Specific example that I've had: "Hey, I'm going on a 50-60mi bike ride, I should be done around 1 and then we can figure out what we want to do with our evening." Ride goes long, I want to lunch with ride buddies, so I text saying "Hey, going to be home around 3, shower, and head out." This has happened a handful of times and it's never been an issue. My apologies usually get a response like the following: "No worries, baby! No rush, enjoy lunch! [sometimes: added: "I'm out with so-and-so, see you soon"].

My girlfriend happens to prefer my beard, but every time I mentioned that she says, "You can shave it off if you want, you know. You're handsome regardless." The reason I bring this up is because I have friends that have told me they'd love to grow a beard (even a small one) but the gf says absolutely not and I think that's kind of a bummer.

In closing, I know relationships are more than letting your partner do the things they want to do and supporting them. They have real, serious hardships and both parties need to rise to those challenges in order to emerge on the other side intact and, hopefully, stronger for it. But having a solid, openly communicative, supportive base is essential to build upon. All too often, it's the little things that speak volumes about how they will react and handle the larger things. One thing my gf's mom told her to always pay attention to: take note of how your partner handles stressful, angry situations. Are they combative? Do they lash out? Do they keep a calm level head? Even if it's something small like losing their keys/wallet. It could be a good indicator of how they will deal with larger stressful situations.

Back to bikes:

Today I am antsy to get home and start assembling parts onto the Merckx frame. I also had a pretty good lunch.