Spring is in the air!

If you haven't noticed, I've been a little coy with you regarding my social life.

There've been a host of reasons for my reserved tone. Fear of hurting those who might read this post, fear of admitting certain feelings to myself, fear of the dreaded blog curse--that whenever I post about someone, something inevitable goes awry and the relationship ends. Nevertheless, I think it's time to accept these risks and fill you in on my little secret.

I'm in a relationship.

Whew! There it is. I said it. So far, so good. I haven't seen a Dear Diane e-mail yet in my Inbox. The earth hasn't moved. And Hell, by all reports, hasn't frozen over.

I am dating the gladiator, whose I picture I posted just days ago. If you haven't checked him out yet, please do. He's a real cutie. At least I think so, which is all that really matters anyway.

We didn't meet at the charity bachelor auction, just so you know. He is someone from my past--a man I once dated briefly and unsuccessfully. Despite the failed attempt at romance, Max and I became friends, dated other people, and gave ourselves time to get to know each other. I'd placed Max firmly in the "never-ever", "friends only" category. And just when I abandoned any thought of romance, something inside Max changed. Our friendship has developed into something more.

This is a new relationship. After a long, cold period, a friendship grew and finally blossomed. But can it stand the heat, which is sure to come? I have a good feeling, but we'll just have to see how things progress over time.

And I've heeded your advice and decided not revealing my little blog secret this time around. So expect to see some Mandy and Maxi status reports over the next few months.