Can a person love more than one person at the same time? Why or why not?

 

Can a person love more than one person at the same time? Why or why not?

 

Ahaha, I'm doing something other than a headvoice rant for once! Have I really gone insane this time?
But seriously... I saw this question and just had to reply.

Can someone love more than one person simultaneously?
Yes, you can. I'm doing it right now!
But the fine points still stand... you might love multiple people at the same time, sure, but is it right?
Depends on the circumstances, dear.
If you aren't in it for sex and marriage, then sure. If you are, then forget about it.

In my personal opinion, exclusive romantic relationships are just that... exclusive! You pick one person to share that with, and that's it. That's what makes it special, y'know.
But I'm not one to talk, being a celibate asexual! I have no interest in the above sort of relationship.

I'm polyamorous, sure, but I'm polyamorous in a platonic way.
I'm 'in love' with all three of my best friends, yeah, but that doesn't mean I want to date them or anything! I love them for who they are and that's all I need. Told you I work differently.

Anyway... let's take a typical gal and see how this works.
Say she's been dating some guy for a few months now, and they really have a good relationship. All of a sudden, the girl meets some other guy and bam, she's head over heels.
Now we have a problem! She loves her boyfriend, but she's learned to love this new guy, too.
Here's what I say. Don't date this new guy unless you've broken up with your current boyfriend. If you don't want to break up, then don't cheat-- because if you're going to start pursuing a serious relationship with someone while you're already in one with someone else-- that's infidelity, and that's no good, as Sonic would say.
It's a tough decision, and one I've thankfully never had to make, thank God!

Now listen. I let my guys know when I'm feeling for someone new, platonic or not. Just ask them-- if they're part of my crazy group here then they know how I work and they're fine with it-- because I'm not going all romantic with one guy and then turning around and doing the same for someone else, no sir.
I let them know, and if they're okay with it, then that's good. If not, then I don't act on anything. Simple as that.

Eh, but that's enough of my ranting for one evening. Hopefully you get the point despite all my topic switches!

 

waiting too long

SESSION PARTICIPANTS
LAURIE UBERICH JEWEL (SPINNY) CHAOS ZERO SELPH

Wow.

What?

You're actually doing it. We're actually having a conversation and you're actually writing it down.

Heheh, yeah. I have a bad habit of having these really important conversations with you when I'm nowhere near my Xanga.

That reminds me, though.

What?

Invitations. What did you promise me? Huh? We're not the only people in here.

Oh geez, yeah! I said I'd invite them. Hold on one second.

I've been holding on for an entire month, Jewel. Almost two. We talk, and we talk now.

Gosh, hon, are you that impatient?

Yeah, basically. Come on, as if I haven't been wanting to swear at you in public since July. Seriously, kid. This is our bloody bonding time.

If we used traditional terms, yeah! Man, but I miss these conversations.

You think you're the only one? Who's the reason you're even having them in the first place?

Jessica.

Oh, yeah. That's right. I hate that poor excuse for a headvoice.

Hey hey hey, she's dead, remember?

No she isn't, Jewel. She keeps coming back and she's going to keep coming back until you destroy every last iota of her in you and then change your entire name. That's the only time she's going to die, and you know it.

...Yeah, you're right. You're right. And I'm not trying hard enough to get there.

Tell me about it. Did you tell them how much you've changed since then?

Huh?

Since July. How much you've changed. You have a new journal now, remember.

Ssh, Laurie! They're not supposed to know about that one. That one's secret.

This one used to be secret, too, and then you decided to drop one too many hints.

Half the time they were unintentional, you know me. I have a very hard time paying attention to things sometimes.

You're a total screwup. Speaking of you need to call for that evaluation.

Oh hey, you're right. Well, I'll do that tomorrow. Tonight we rant.

All four of us.

Yep.

How long have we been waiting?

Since July 29th, dear.

Already?

Yeah, already! Time flies when you're having fun.

That or an extra side of pain.

I know all about that, yeah.

Ahaha, that's right! I forgot who was all over that journal.

Keep your mouth shut, Laurie. That's not for you to talk about.

Ooh, getting protective, are we?

I'll be as protective as I need to be.

Guys, guys, calm down. Let's not start an axefight this early in the conversation.

Can we start one later?

I'd rather we didn't.

Yeah, I don't like when you attack her with an axe, Laurie. That's scary. It scares me.

She deserves it.

She does not deserve it.

Chaos, calm down. Please. Is everything all right?

Everything except for the fact that I can't get used to her being in the room. I've seen firsthand what happens between you two, and frankly I'm not very happy with it, reasons or no reasons. I can't just stand by and watch someone abuse you like that... or like this.

She asks me to.

That doesn't make it any more acceptable.

Oh, really? I think it does.

Laurie, stop it. Don't fight with Chaos over all this, okay? You fight with me. That's how this conversation started in the first place--

She is not going to fight with you, Jewel. Not while I'm here.

Physically, no. Verbally, yes. That's why we're here, remember.

I agreed to that conversation before I knew what she did to you when you made mistakes.

...

Um... can we start a different topic, please? I don't like all this fighting.

I'd be glad to, Selph.

Geez, stop glaring at me!

I'll stop glaring at you when you promise me that you won't so much as think of that axe for the rest of this conversation, at least.

Fine. No axe. But words hurt just as much, you know.

I know they do.

And?

...And there's nothing I can do about that. I can't stop you from saying things, even if I try to. Just don't go too far.

Oh, I don't go too far with her, Chaos. This is all agreed upon and perfectly fine with both of us.

That's what worries me.

What was the original topic for this conversation again?

Perfection.

Oh, no.

Chaos, not that kind, honestly--

No no no, it's just that... that subject is horribly painful for the both of us in any context. Selph, too, right?

Um. ...I... yeah, I guess you could say that, with my past self and all.

How does that work, dear?

Because... I guess that I was supposed to be perfect too. Now I'm not. Now I'm broken and different, and they can't call me perfect in that sense anymore.

Aha, here we go with the senses. Isn't there an absolute for perfection?

No one's ever agreed upon it, I think.

I know, almost everyone I've ever met has a different opinion of it.

What's yours?

Absolute perfection? Mortally unattainable. True perfection can only be achieved by God and that's it. I don't even consider perfection to exist in this reality, to be totally honest. Some things may seem perfect or may be percieved as perfect under certain circumstances, but the total definition of perfection debunks them without a second thought. Here, in this life, there is no such thing as perfection.

Really? That's what you think?

Yes.

Huh. All right, Chaos, what's yours?

Perfection is a lie. It's nothing but a delusion for those who say something is without flaws or is absolute in some other aspect. Nothing is ever perfect, just like Jewel says, and anything or anyone who claims they are has some serious thinking to do. It's a lie.

I think you're a little biased.

I sure am. But that's the only reason I can form an opinion on this. Experience.

That's true. I won't deny that. Selph?

Wait wait wait-- Chaos, Perfection isn't perfect. Isn't that what we said?

Yes, and I agree with that, sweetheart. But that doesn't change the fact that everyone else is going to call him 'Perfect' because of the power and attributes he has. There's nothing perfect about him. Nothing at all.

He's not even perfect evil, because he's still you.

Thank you, Laurie. I needed to hear that.

Anytime. Just ask.

Yeah, that's another thing, Chaos... Perfect may not be you in the mental and emotional sense, but he still takes you over, right?

Right.

So... I'm sorry to say this, darling, but... then he is still you, in a way?

Unfortunately. Unfortunately... just like Jessica is still you in a way as well.

Eh. Yeah, I see your point. I'm sorry.

There's nothing to apologize for, Jewel. That's not your fault, and what you said was the truth.

Still, it hurt.

Doesn't mean it's your fault. The truth stings no matter who tells it.

Yeah... I need to stop blaming myself for those things.

That you do.

Um, excuse me.

Oh, I'm sorry! Go ahead, Selph. What was your answer?

I think it's the same thing as you said, actually. Everyone thinks perfection means you're 100% of something and 0% of something else. All bad, no good. All good, no bad. Well, that's not possible! You said it yourself, Jewel, everyone has some good in them, and I've realized that everyone has the potential to be bad in them, too.

Yeah, I remember talking about that.

Mmhmm. So it's like you said. No perfection, because nothing is absolute. Not even the song.

Ha!

What?

Hee hee. I got you to laugh!

Yeah, you did. Heh.

I think we all needed that right about now.

Yep yep! Just ask me anytime.

Hey!

I can say it too, Laurie!

Fine, whatever. Well, now that that's settled... what do you have to say about self-abuse?

Back to that topic already, huh?

Does it even count as self-abuse if you're the one mauling me?

Not just that, Jewel. I mean the Gamboge marks on your arms. I mean the pain addiction.

Oh.

She knows?

Course she knows, Selph. You know, Chaos knows, she knows. I know more than anyone.

Wow... I had no idea. I'm sorry. I thought it was a secret.

It is, but you know me. I'm awful at keeping secrets.

Sometimes.

Sometimes, yeah.

So why are you still doing it?

Because I'm still not happy with myself. That and it's the only way for me to get the emotional pain out of my heart, remember? Just a form transfer. That's all.

Dear God, I really wish you didn't have to do that...

So do I, Chaos. So do I. But until I find a better way, that's all I have.

You have our words. The blue journal.

That's true... but sometimes I'm nowhere near that outlet. Sometimes the outlet becomes me.

...

Chaos, are you okay?

No.

...Guys?

What?

Can we change the subject?

No, no no. It's not that. This needs to be settled, pain or no pain. ...If I can put up with doing what I did to her... I can put up with this.

Chaos, please. Please don't blame yourself and say you're responsible for that.

What would you say if you were in my position?

...I'd blame myself and say I was responsible. I'm sorry. I'm being a hypocrite again...

You're not being a hypocrite, Jewel. You're just trying to help.

How the heck can she help him if she can't even help herself?

I at least know how to love him come hell or high water.

Jewel, you have to stop doing that...

Stop doing what?

Hating yourself. Please. Stop hating yourself. There's nothing to hate. We all make mistakes.

We've both made some pretty damn big mistakes.

Yes we have. And don't swear, Jewel. You remember what Laurie said.

She'd damn well better! I don't want to die.

I don't want you to die, either. I'm sorry.

Nah, it's all right. With all the time we've been spending together lately, it was inevitable that I'd rub off on you.

It's more than rubbing off, Laurie. It's taking in.

And that's the problem here. Stop that. You remember what I said a few entries back.

"Jewel Lightraye doesn't have a shadow."

Yes.

But all human beings have shadows.

Hers are personified. We are who we are, our own lives. That makes us seperate from her. She, as herself, has no shadow.

Oh... now I get it.

Do you now? That's good.

Yeah. I was wondering why she'd want to keep you around when you do bad stuff to her.

She's got a bit of a pain addiction, to say the least. It's bordering on masochism in my opinion.

On what?

Laurie, that's not what this is, at all.

It's pretty freaking close. You did research on that stuff one day, remember? Found out how it hits a little too close to home? Read about how there are people out there who actively seek "painful" relationships, but still won't let anyone twist their morals in the process? Read about the emotionally desperate people just like you who would go to see people kind of like me, just to have them insult them and abuse them? Because no one else would? And they bizarrely needed that to feel like they meant something to someone? Tell me that's not pretty bloody close to what we're doing here!

They don't have axes.

Jewel, what the heck do you research on here?

A lot. Quite a lot.

I see her. She does. It's her way of killing Julie, I think.

I'm not killing her, Selph. She's a waste-lock, remember?

Like in Johnny C?

Yeah, just like Johnny... except I'd be him and she'd be Reverend Meat or someone.

Haha, and I'd be Mister Eff! "Get out there and live, you bastard!"

Crossed with Nailbunny, yes.

I love being the psychotic angel on your shoulder.

Is that what she is now?

In a sense, yeah. I told you, she's my superego and demented conscience as well as my favorite headvoice, so of course she's going to keep me on the right track.

Although I do a pretty bloody vicious job of it.

I know you do.

Oh come on, don't start that argument again. Look, she wants me to do it--

That doesn't mean you have to do it!

Yes it does. That's half the reason she keeps me around, Chaos. She wants this. She needs this. She needs a mental release, she needs freedom from the other sort of pain. She needs someone to tell her when she's making a fatal mistake and then beat the literal hell out of her for it. Otherwise she'll never learn. I wouldn't do all this if she didn't need it, Chaos. I don't abuse her because I get some sort of cruel power trip from it. I hurt her and I swear at her and I kick her when she's down because I love her and I'm one of the only things keeping her together when she falls apart like this. You remember what happened at the psychiatrist.

...Yeah, I do. She practically cried all afternoon.

Aww, you did?

Pretty much, yeah. You were hiding and panicking so you didn't see, I think.

No, I didn't. I was all emo and hate-the-world for a week, haha. Thanks to your counselor, no less!

I know! They're supposed to help me and all they do is screw things up half the time.

Well then, don't bring me up anymore!

I wouldn't if you weren't such a vital part of who I am.

Huh. Well yeah, that's true. Oh, and even if we did have to suffer a living hell to find out, we did solve the mystery of what Julie is and why I've been on death row recently.

Death row?

Yeah. I was starting to die a little bit.

How?

Jewel was becoming me. I warned her about that, but did she listen? No. I'd hijack her consciousness to keep her under control, but then she'd keep a bit of me within her own personality every time so I was dying little by little. If she had kept it up I might have disappeared forever.

Once we realized what was happening, though, I called it quits and fast. Realized what was hers and gave it back to her!

Yeah, and now I'm just as brutal as ever!

And I'm not.

Heck yes. Keep it that way.

I'll try.

You'll do it, too.

I sure hope so. Thank you.

Well, this has been an interesting conversation.

It sure has. I don't even think we stayed on topic for more than five minutes.

But we covered them all.

Did we?

...Hm. Maybe not.

It says here that it was just perfection... oh. That and your mom.

Ah...

Oh. Well, that's a whole new page on it's own...

Why, what was it about? Just her insulting you? I think that's her way of expressing her anger and stress and all that, personally. Just letting it all out in words and actions. We discussed that before.

Yeah. Well, she has to express it somehow.

But she always expresses it at you.

That's because she doesn't have one of me. Ever realize why Jewel is so nice to everyone? Ever wonder how she can easily love the world and empathize so well? No shadow. I'm it. When she feels anger or frustration or anything vicious like that, she feeds it into me and I become a little darker, while she stays the same.

That's why you were so worried about the leak.

Yeah. Did you notice how nasty she was becoming?

I did, actually. That scared me so badly...

I'm so sorry, Chaos. I never meant for it to.

No, it's okay. I know you didn't. It was just... so unlike you. So perpetually unhinged. Very dark.

It was dark. I had no idea who I was half the time, really. I was just a hurricane of tears and blood and mixed emotions and no one could tell which was which or what was going on. It was a very frightening time in my life because I really thought I was losing myself.

That's because you were, and you were gaining me.

Yes, we fixed that.

Don't let it happen again.

Believe me, I won't.

Please.

I promise you, Chaos. That'll never happen again.

All right. It just worries me how much we've all changed lately.

Especially me...

Yeah, you've become quite a fiery demon, haven't you, Selph?

Kinda. I don't like it sometimes. I'm afraid I'm becoming what I was.

I'll help you stop that if that's what's happening, okay? Remember I'm always right here for you, no matter what. That's a promise too.

I know, Jewel. I remember. I love you.

Oh... I love you too, Selph.

There's too much for me to say.

Three little words not going to cut it, sweetheart?

God, no. It's been like this for months now. Freaking months. I'm burning up on the inside.

I know the feeling. That one night in the rain last week, huh?

Oh geez, yeah... 2005 all over again. I couldn't help myself. I'm sorry.

Don't go apologizing, dear, I'm the one that started it!

Ooh, what's this now?

None of your business!

Fine. She'll tell me eventually.

Don't tell her.

I won't.

Eh, so you say, but remember I already read your--

Don't say it! Geez, Laur, that would give everything away. Everything.

Got some deep dark secrets in there, huh?

Deep and dark, yeah. If you've read them you know what I mean.

She reads those darn things?

Apparently.

'Course I do, girl! I get to see them every time you're up late and typing away because your heart hurts or your mind is snapping. Free privileges for being a headvoice, haha.

I hope you don't tell anyone.

Heck no. Jewel's secrets are safe with me. I say nothing to no one, no sir, not a thing. Ever. Scout's honor.

Well that's good. I guess I'm not the only one she tells everything, then?

Nope, I get to hear the deep dark secrets too.

That or you read them over my shoulder!

Sorry.

Nah, you can read them all you want. I just find it funny.

Oh, okay. 'Cause I remember you showing me the birthday entry in there once, even though it was secret.

They're all secret, hon, but you can read them. You're my muse after all.

That I am!

And I'm your you-know-what.

Are we still using that term, sweetheart?

Until we find a better one, sure thing.

You didn't type it, though. You hid it.

Prejudiced sensitivities, Selph. Some people don't take kindly to Jewel being a polyamorous asexual xenophile.

That title got a heck of a lot longer in the blue entries, you know.

Yeah, I've seen it! It's great. How do you remember all that?

Sometimes I have to sit and think about it, I'll admit. "What was the next word?"

What, you have a specific order?

Yes I do.

Oh geez, that's brilliant. That's another thing I love about you.

What?

You're just as weird as I am.

Ahaha, yeah, and that's my fault too!

That it is!

You guys need to explain all that to everybody else, you know. You have a LOT of typing to do.

That or drawing, or both. I have 5 years to explain anyway.

There's so much to talk about, I swear...

And so much of it that will never reach the public ear, right?

Right. Don't give them any ideas, though!

Oh, the public gets crazy ideas no matter what you do.

That is true. Oh well. Gotta live with them, right?

Yeah, can't let that stop me. I have to write up Big's history as well, you know.

You do? That's awesome! Write it up quick. He told me about it and I nearly died, I swear. Did you hear all of it yet?

Not the whole thing, but close to it. Last I heard was that night he went out to see what Sting was talking about, you know--

Oh geez, give yourself some free time to listen to that. It's amazing what that purple guy has been through since Emerl left.

Yeah, no one knows how that ties in, either... that or Sonic CD.

Seriously?

Seriously.

Wow. You do need to get typing!

We are way off topic, guys. Get back on the crazy train.

Speaking of trains, remember that one mental exercise with the truck?

Oh gosh yes. Laurie, I swear you weigh at least fifty tons.

Haha, I do not!

Sure felt like it! Hey, whatever happened to that doll?

I'll never tell.

We need to get back together and just rant about that one day. That was insanely fun. I loved it.

It was, even though I came in late, kind of.

Bakura and Marik did too, yeah.

I think that was the first time they met Laurie, right?

I think so too. Huh. I should really formally introduce them to you sometime, Laur.

You should. I'd love to see the looks on their faces.

Oh geez, that's right. They don't know what she does.

No, they don't... wow. They don't know. I thought maybe they did.

Nope. Not a word, not a single incident. They know all the stuff from the old days that Selph and I don't, before Laurie personified herself to you, but all this new stuff? That's for your two monster boys, Jewel. The Pharaoh and the Mage still don't know anything.

Gosh, I loved those old titles. But yeah, you're right. They really don't know... do you think I should tell them?

Maybe. Maybe one day when we're all together and have a lot of time. They do need to know this, Jewel. At least I think so.

I think so too. I want to be totally honest with them in this. I don't love them any less than I did back in 2003, and I feel awful when I think of how much they don't know... how much they're missing out. I don't mean for this to happen, and it hurts.

I know, Jewel. You've told me that before, and believe me, we all understand. You spend quite a lot of time apologizing and explaining all of that to us for us to doubt you, you know.

Really?

Really really.

Really really really!

Infinity plus one.

Aww, she got it!

You know the trump card, Laurie?

Heck yes! I win.

I guess you do. But really, Jewel. You believe me when I say that, right?

I always do. I have no reason not to. Thanks, love.

Anytime. Any time at all.

Isn't there something you wanted to say, Jewel?

Oh, yeah! I found this photo and forgot about what it said.

What photo?

On dA. That glass laserpen heart I love so much, with the perfect title.

What, were you searching my keywords again?

Yes.

You crazy girl. I love you too.

I know, sweetheart. But I figured the words really fit this conversation. Lucky coincidence that I stumbled across them again tonight, I say.

Why, what are the words?

"So many imperfections... imperfections = chaos... chaos = beautiful."

...Wow. Just... are you sure you didn't write that?

I would have if he didn't write it first.

Heh, I figured as much. You know that never fails to blow me away? I still can't comprehend it half the time.

I can't either, Chaos. I just accept it for all it's worth and let my heart do the comprehending. That works for me just as good as anything.

I'll have to try that next time.

That you will.

It's 10PM, kids!

What?

Jewel needs her sleep. She also need to finish her bloody homework! Get a move on, girl!

Oh geez, she's right. I stayed up too late talking to you guys, I guess.

No no no, 10PM is okay. Just don't get distracted so you can actually get some sleep tonight, okay?

Go lucid!

I'll try my very best, Selph! Honest I will.

You won't go lucid if you don't go to freakin' bed, you freakazoid!

This is a happy place.

Yes it is!

Candlejack.

Don't say it!

It's too late, this conversation is ov

Ahahaha. Janglejack strikes again.

I forgot we game him that silly nickname.

I didn't. I remember a surprising amount of the crazy shit we think up.

Hey, watch your mouth, Laurie.

Geez, you know I swear!

Yeah, but just... be careful. No one likes a filthy vocabulary.

Eh, I guess you're right. Oh well. I'll touch it up here in there. Doesn't mean I'm going to stop spitting swears when I'm ticked, though. That's practically a classic by now.

Well, at least you watched one of your words there.

That I did. Now you can't yell at me.

No, I can't, you're right. And you stayed away from the axe, too.

Yep. Hopefully we won't need it again for a while, right, Jewel?

Amen to that, Laurie... amen to that.

Just keep trying harder, okay Jewel?

Okay, Selph. That's a promise too.

Now promise me you'll get to bed. You need sleep.

All right, hon. I will, as soon as I finish this.

Don't take long, though, okay?

Yeah, you remember what I said about the minutes!

That and the sugar cubes.

Hah! Yeah! Good old Rorschach. You haven't been obsessing over him recently, you know.

I don't obsess over people, I just think about them a lot. Besides, right now it's Grievous' turn again.

Seriously? You're back with the General now?

I never left.

No, you know what I mean, Jewel. Back with the "obsessing," or so Laurie calls it.

Yes, actually. They put a CGI picture of him in Entertainment this week and I died. Of joy overload.

Haha, I figured you might! Man, you really loved that guy way back when.

I still do, but it's platonic, remember. I spoke about that in my blue pages too.

That you did.

What about Davy Jones?

Ohoho! Owned!

Eheh, yeah, Davy's a special case. Still platonic though, but at one time I really was crazy for that crazy squidman.

In a sane fangirl way.

Not even a fangirl way, actually. Just in the way I do things.

Ah. Well, that's incomparable.

It is. I like it that way.

So do I.

I do too!

And I think we should have ended this conversation ten minutes ago!

She's right, actually.

Unfortunately, yeah.

I had fun, though! How about you guys?

Yeah, I have to say I did, save for the very beginning.

The beginnings are usually like that.

That's true.

Everything worked out for the best in the end, though. I really needed this.

I think we all did.

Yep! I've been waiting since July to talk to you again after all.

Who, me?

No, all of you. Not just you.

Lovely little paradox you have there, Selph.

Sorry!

In any case, it is getting late, and I really should close up.

I won't argue with that, no matter how much I love these conversations as well.

Sleep, you lunatic.

All right, all right! Have a good night, you guys.

I'll be up as long as you are!

Hey, don't keep Selph up late, Jewel!

Haha, okay. I won't. ...Thanks for stopping by tonight, you two. Means a lot.

Mmhmm! Never a problem, no matter what.

Like I said, Jewel-- anytime you need me. I'm here.

That's a whole other conversation in itself, too.

It's also for another night, you crazy lovebirds. Now get out of here before I call Janglejack on you again.

That wouldn't be good!

No, it sure wouldn't be! Well, have a good night, Selph.

You too! Adios and arrivederci!

I guess I'll be seeing you later, too.

Most likely, knowing how I work.

You won't see him if you don't LEAVE. Seriously. What the heck.

Sorry, Laur. Good night, Chaos. I love you.

And all of mine to you, Jewel. Now I'm off before Laurie takes my head off.

You know I will if you aren't careful! Go on, keep walking.

Haha, okay. I'll see you in a bit, Jewel. Good night.

Finally he leaves!

Well, what did you expect? We're all bad at closing up conversations.

Everyone except Candlejack, that is.

Ssh! Don't say it!

Nah, he won't come and get me. I'm only a headvoice, I can't be kidnapped. He'll come after you instead!

Well, I'm going to leave before he gets here! Ha! What do you think of that?

Sounds like a plan!