The Britney Justin Syndrome

I have this crazy theory. It's called the Britney/Justin Syndrome.

Ever notice how Britney's world came crashing down since her and Justin broke up? And Justin, well he's had a fabulous career including a record company, two restaurants, and a fashion label. That's awesome, but his personal life hasn't been the same. Sure, he had "success" with Jessica Biel but they were together for years and for whatever reason, never headed to the altar. Not that everyone has to get married, but it seems kinda strange. I mean, how great were they?

In no way am I trying to dissect their lives or act like I know what's going on but like I said, I have a crazy theory. It goes like this...

For what it's worth, it seems like they were truly, madly, deeply, head over heels in love with one another back then.

They were stinkin' adorbs! Was it just me or did they honestly seem made for one another?

Then, out of nowhere they were dunzo. Ouch. Britney went into a tailspin. Marrying her best guy friend in Vegas on a whim, making out with Madonna, showing her cho-cha to everyone, shaving her head, chasing after paparazzi, and just all around losing her mind. Remember this fun shot?

To make it worse, she married K-Fed, had two babies, and ended up divorced. Her dad had to become her legal guardian and watch her every move. She was able to be a momma, but couldn't hardy take care of herself. She dated some questionable people and just went off the deep end. I'm sure all things she wishes she could erase. 

To me, her entire life turned upside down when she and Justin went their separate ways. Personally, I don't think she's ever fully recovered.

So back to my theory...I think I went through a little Britney/Justin Syndrome. Without providing a timeline of my entire dating life, I'll do my best to give you all a very, very brief synopsis.

I was super in love at one point in my life with a guy from high school. (Sound familiar? Don't ask) Anyway, we didn't date in high school (hmm, familiar again?) but my sophomore year of college we did. We were always friends, but I always had the same boyfriend (see Prom pics below). So, when we got the chance to be together, we did and it was amazing. PS, We'll call him "Romeo." This relationship brought me closer to God, taught me about being a wife, and being a friend. He was a triplet and so his sisters and I got along amazingly well. One of them is actually my cruise mate next week to Cozumel :) Anyway, when our relationship forcefully came to an end  due to his leaving to attend UF (Go Gators!), I was devastated. My life went into an absolute downward spiral. 

I ended up dating his best friend for over a year. Not that it REALLY matters, but we did ask his permission to do so...even though he adamantly denied it. Not something I'm super proud of. We had a "legit" relationship and for a while I thought it might be something for good. Then I realized it wasn't. Then I dated someone else super questionable, of which I will not discuss at this present time. Let's say it went against every fiber in my body, my faith, and showed extreme lack of judgement and character. Another seriously not proud moment. Then I packed it all up and moved to DC to get away from it all. I couldn't escape it by continuing to live in Orlando. I grew up in a bubble. Everyone in everyone's business, even YEARS after we graduated. It doesn't help everyone dates everyone STILL! Anyway, looking back...my life really went an entirely unexpected direction and I can pinpoint the moment it did. When the relationship with Romeo and I went kablitz.

Perhaps you psychology majors out there will look at this and think I have some crazy mental issue or perhaps you see where I get the Britney/Justin syndrome notion from. Perhaps I'm not the only one who has experienced something like this. My relationship with Romeo really shaped my life. It helped me determine who I was and who I wanted to be. When it ended, it felt like I lost part of me. It didn't help this heart breaker made promise after promise of marriage and name changes. It just plain sucked.

It took me many years to acknowledge that it was indeed over for good. That what had happen was truly the right thing for me, for him, for us. We're still amazing friends and nobody knows either of us as well as we know one another. We can be separated for years, stumble across one another, and it be just like it's always been. I truly love him with every fiber, but I've whole heartedly realized Romeo is not the man God intended for me. He was in my life at that perfect time for a reason, even though back then it seemed like HORRIFIC timing. Our friendship has overcome an immense amount of pain, betrayal, lies, and sadness and we're still tickin'. I have learned the true power of forgiveness and what it really means in my relationship with him and his family. I'll always cherish that.

Anyway, I've always had my Britney/Justin Syndrome theory roaming around in my head and wanted to put it on paper. If any of you guys have had similar experiences, share them with me so I don't feel so crazy ;-)