Simply put, Mary and I are perfect for each other. We both want a drama-free relationship and know what to do and what "not" to do to maintain that drama-free relationship, we both have the same hobbies and interests - and we both look at life and it's experiences the same way. But while we are perfect in almost every aspect - there is one aspect of "us" that is not only opposite - it is backwards - that aspect is our view on romance.

In 99% of relationships, it is the lady who is overly romantic and exceedingly "mushy" - much to the dismay of the annoyed gentleman. It is the woman who overstuffs the man's e-mail box and "snail-mail" box with cards and letters - and it is the husband who wishes his wife would lay off the romance once in a while. What Mary and I find hysterical is that I am the one who is overly romantic - and she is the one that wishes I would turn it down a few notches.

Our conflict over romance has not strayed our relationship one bit. While most couples would have a hard time overcoming such an obstacle as this - it has, if anything, drawn us even closer to each other. We have developed what we call "mushy alerts" for when my romance exceeds normal levels, we have had sarcastic, humorous banter with each other over our different views on romance, Mary throws me a sarcastic, annoyed remark every time I throw her a romantic one - and we have even made each other laugh hysterically when we jokingly take on each other's opposite romantic roles.

If anything, this is one opposite that I do not mind having in common. The way we have handled our different views on romance has made us deal with our distance a little easier - and has given us something to laugh at - which has kept our relationship healthy.

I think the reason Mary thinks I am overly romantic is a simple one. While I am sure - as wonderful and beautiful as she is - that she has had men tell her that they loved her in the past - she is probably not used to dating someone who professes his love for her on his very public website through pictures and columns. It also probably doesn't help that I call her a bunch of times a day and send her e-greetings all the time either. To my "defense," I will say that the only reason I am overly romantic and "mushy" is because we are so far apart from each other. Having the woman I want to wrap my arms around living almost 1,200 miles away from me does make the heart grow much, much fonder, not being able to see her each day makes me think about her a lot - and hearing her voice on the phone and having to sleep alone makes me crave her more and more each night. So maybe my immense "mushy-ness" is due to our distance and my inexperience with "long distance relationships."

So while we may agree to disagree on romance, I do appreciate the fact that she tolerates it, that it brings us closer together - and the fact that we can joke about our opposite views on the same issue rather than argue about it.

But I am not worried - because once she is here - I'm sure I will be sick of her soon enough. :)