So, for whatever reason, I don't post here a whole lot any more... it's nothing to do with anyone here, by any means. But with the comparative lack of Stones activity for the last few years, and with my own life speeding by faster than I can count the days... well, let's just say it doesn't leave much time or desire to get into the kinds of discussions I used to - and do still - love: those regarding the Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World.

I go through periods, just like anyone else, where I listen very heavily to one or two certain artists, often to the near-exclusion of anything else. Sometimes your fever for a certain band or singer or whatever runs its natural course, and you move on to something else just so the love doesn't go stale, for lack of a better phrase. Having been a Stonesfan for the better part of thirteen years now - almost half my life at this point! - it's to be expected that I'll let my jets cool for a period while I explore other sounds. I always, of course, come back to the Rolling Stones, like the proverbial prodigal son, seeking solace or whatever.

The boys and their music have helped me through many a difficult time, as I'm sure most of you can relate to. Hell, if it wasn't for the Stones, I just straight-up wouldn't be here now. I can't easily describe what the Stones mean to me, because it just... it transcends simple words. I pride myself on being more-than-competent in my handle on the English language, always using my words to solve problems or relate what may be on my mind. But with the Stones? Shit... I can't even begin to say what it is I feel. It doesn't just come down to their music, or to the members of the band, or how they've changed the cultural landscape... it encompasses all of that. And it, well... I guess it just comes down to the fact that, when I've needed a friend and no one was around to help, the Stones have been there for me. That's the best way I can describe it.

I've been in a serious relationship for nearly four years now. It's helped me to grow as a person, to see life in so many new and different lights. It certainly has seen its share of ups and downs, but the two of us have always been quite serious about one another. It's been sort of a foregone conclusion that we'll see the altar someday. But lately, things have been changing, with many professional and personal upheavals going down. We've done our best to be there for one another - and our six-year-old Newfoundland - but it's just hard sometimes with schedules and things like that. Anyway, long-standing issues with our lives and interests have always been a sore spot of contention for us, and more than once things have come to a head. She doesn't, I feel, understand who I am a lot of the time, and she resents me for it. She resents the things I love to do, the things I think and say... it comes down to a fundamental problem with me as a person.

There's a lot more I could go into, but I don't really want to hang my dirty laundry out to dry like that. Over the last few days, it's looked like our relationship is hanging precariously on the edge of complete meltdown. I don't want this, obviously - I love her, I love the life we've built together, and I want to continue to build. It's hard for me to reconcile my desire to patch things up and my anger and bitterness over the situation, and knowing that there's really nothing I can do about it at this point - the fact that the ball is firmly in her court - is just killing me.

So it seemed like a good time to return to the Rolling Stones.

It's funny... you're away from this great source of comfort for so long, and when you come back, it's as if you never spent time apart. You forget how you can channel your emotions, no matter what they may be, into the music, and feel that much better when the song is over. Thankfully, my love for the Stones has never been a source of contention in this relationship; it seems to be one of the few things that she understands about me at this point.

I don't know why I'm spilling all of this information in such a fashion - I guess I just needed to get it off my chest to someone. ANYONE. I figured fellow Stonesfans would understand at least some of it. I suppose I'm just at that point in my life again when I really need a friend or two. Thanks for listening to this stream-of-consciousness midnight ramble. :-)

Lock-down?
Shudn't be (too) down, shirley?
How about this, to get the old cheers and/or hippulars grooving...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=two7-VxEIC4&feature=related
Cut to 1:28 and/or 2:58 for groove-central groove.
I suppose you've watched the 1978 'Shattered' in Texas youtube and been cheered silly.
Cheer up you silly **n*.  X

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I wish I could come up with something original, but the truth is: if one of the parts doesn't agree, then it's time to shake hands and part, IMO.

Keep going.

Child of the Moon, the love you feel for her comes off really strong in that post. I say you keep fighting for it. It's worth the effort and the time. Since you've been so close and for such a long time, I'm sure she can understand the parts that don't add up if you two sit down and talk about them openly. Sometimes things get blown out of proportion, but when you really get to their core, they're simple.

I wish you all the best!

Child...I, too, am going thru some ruff times...and the Stones are a great escape for 45-60 min...but like alcohol, after it wears off ( and hopefully, not hungover ), the core issues are still there.
The music and these boards allw me to ground myself at times...and redress issues around me...in a simpler, more rational way.

Child knows what is best for Child...just as this Paranoid Androin ( usually) knows what's best for him...the music is like a mental time out for me...a VERY WELCOME one...

Best of luck with your problems...and don't be shy...there are quite a few wise old sages on these boards. You are amongst friends.

hard times come and go, true friends and great music are forever! god to see you bouncing back!

Everyone is speaking in whispers.

No one wants to make a sound...

Great tune.

I have felt your pain brother

free your mind and your ass will follow

We are a restless breed, COM.
Few truly understand us, which is why we find solace here.
Good luck and stay true to yourself.

LJ.

keep an eye out for the good times that are coming your way and the blessings and answers that are chasing you down! You do not accept things as they currently seem to be. When in doubt play Emotional Rescue...

stonedinaustralia wrote on Nov 2^nd, 2011 at 7:33am:

I have felt your pain brother free your mind and your ass will follow

That's good.  8-)

'Cheer up, it might never happen!' can be just about the most annoying phrase in the world. And 'Turn that frown upside down!' can be as helpful as dropping your favourite biscuit in your tea. It can feel really patronising and unhelpful when people are telling you not to worry. It's because most of the time you worry about things that actually matter. One author wrote: 'A friend came up with this novel idea: "Why don't you try this worry coupon? It entitles you to worry as much as you like, but only if it will: a) feed and clothe you; b) add to your life instead of taking from it; c) make tomorrow better; d) you don't mind acting like a non-believer! If that doesn't work make a list of all the things you're worrying about, place it in a box and put it up on a shelf where you can't see it. If God is either unwilling or unable to take care of it, you can always get the box and start worrying again but at least give Him a chance. While you are waiting for Him to answer, pray. Stand on His Word. Don't give your worries a voice."' If you're a chronic worrier, why not make a list of the things you're worrying about, give them to God in prayer - and give Him a chance to help.

This things bigger than all of us.

I've been lurking on Rock Off for 5 years and had so many ups and downs but always came back here-

-for the people and the music.

Wouldn't have got through so much shit without The Stones

I'm not dead yet. :keithpunky

Good luck and stay true to yourself.

:charlieperv

She resents the things I love to do, the things I think and say... it comes down to a fundamental problem with me as a person.

CHILD, read your own words...the problem is NOT you, so listen to your instincts. Everything happens for a reason, and better to realize this now rather than later. Just saying, if you arent happy before the wedding, it wont get any easier afterwards so dont rush into getting married. Forever is a long fvcking time my friend, so if you are not sure, give it a break.  

I used to chose Stones over women but now I have to balance them both.

But like Keith, Stones come first.

I feel you pain brother. How'd ya like to go through it after 26 yrs. One day at a time.

Do, do, do doot, do doo n' do doot
Don't you worry try a little harder
Don't you worry try a little harder
Don't you worry try a little harder
Don't you worry try a little harder
Girl really wants you man
Don't you see you gotta give her all the lovin' that she needs,
gotta try
Try it one more time
Gotta try, try it one more time

Don't you worry try a little harder
Don't you worry try a little harder
Give her lovin' that's a little stronger
Give her lovin' that's a little stronger
If you with your baby when the day turns to night, you gotta
give
her lovin' make her feel all right, it's all right
It's all right. Try one more time. It's all right

Don't you worry try a little harder
Don't you worry try a little harder
Say goodnight and stay a little longer
Say goodnight and stay a little longer
Have to keep her from cryin' then you got to try to work
pretty
hard to keep her satisfied
Just try, try it one more time. Try it one more time. Gotta try
Try a little harder. Try a little harder. Try a little harder
Try a little harder. try a little harder
If you with your baby when the day turns to night, you gotta
give
her lovin' make her feel all right, gotta try