On the Rebound

You may think I’m fickle, but within thirty-six hours of my very emotional break-up with Earthlink, a new provider just moved into my apartment. I know what you’re thinking, “Give yourself some time! Don’t jump into a new relationship too quickly! You need to figure out what’s really important to you before making another commitment.” Yes, yes, I know. But let’s face it, there are some things a girl just cannot live without, and DSL access is one of them. 

   I asked around and a friend of a friend told me about Charter, and how he was good and fairly reliable and actually answered his phone, even called back when he said he would—all the things a girl wants. (Okay, my bar is set pretty low at this point, I admit.) I thought, what the heck? Time to get back on the horse. I can’t mourn the loss of Earthlink forever. I need to find a new DSL provider while I’m still young. Then I did what my mother told me never to do: I made the first move, and gave him a call. 

   I admit, I was nervous at first. I felt a bit vulnerable putting myself out there. It’s been 14 years since I’ve been seduced by a new Internet provider and a lot has changed since then. But I put aside my fears, swallowed my pride, and dialed the number. 

   Within minutes I was talking to Charter, and he was actually in my time zone. It so refreshing!  After all these years of being taken for granted, and yes, even abused, I felt wanted and desirable again. He made me remember what it was like to feel happy. When Charter began purring about all the things he could do for me, a giddy sense of pure joy washed over me. He was so much easier to talk to than my Ex. Why did I stay with that clown for so long? I know it sounds crazy, but all Charter had to say was “I’ll provide you 16MB” and “We’ll install within 24-hours” and I was head over heels. Well, he had me at 16 MB. 

   If it makes you feel any better, I didn’t make a long-term commitment to Charter—yet. We’re on a month-to-month basis. If he doesn’t treat me right, or live up to my ideals—he’s out. But I have a good feeling about him. He just seems nice and caring and responsive. So, we’ll see.

   Oh, and wouldn’t you know that as soon as I hooked up with Charter, Earthlink called to say he wanted me back. Yes! Isn’t that just the way? Truth be told, I called him to tell him that I was returning his modem since I wouldn’t be needing it anymore ( it was just too painful to look at it after all that happened) and would he kindly provide me with his address—because I didn’t even know where he lived now. I guess that made our breakup a little too real for Earthlink because he got all, “Oh, let me see if there’s some way we can work this out. We’ve been together for so long, we hate to lose you.”  But I was strong. You would have been proud of me. “No,” I said, “I can’t go back to you after everything you put me through. I’m sorry, but it was just too painful. I’m over you now.”* Then he offered me dial-up! Dial-up! Were we back in 1995? That’s the best he had to offer, so I thanked him again and wished him well, and after confirming that I would be reimbursed for the unnecessary new modem he sent me, I said so long. 

   Today my Charter moved in, and I am already so much happier. Just having him here makes me smile. It’s not that he makes me happy, it’s that I am happy and having him—and everyone out there in Internet Land—to share my happiness with, gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. With him, I feel alive and connected again. And isn’t that what good relationships should be? Validation that you are not alone in the world. 

* I really said this to the Earthlink representative, honest.