A Boy Love Story

Summary

A man recounts his journey of self-discovery and love while working on a cruise ship, ultimately realizing the importance of self-improvement and independence over fixing others.

Abstract

The narrative "A Boy Love Story" unfolds the tale of a man who, driven by love, embarks on a voyage to Europe, a childhood dream. Initially, he reunites with his ex-boyfriend on the ship, hoping to mend their relationship, only to learn a valuable lesson: the futility of trying to change others. Despite the challenges, including a series of Caribbean cruises and a heartbreak, he crosses the Atlantic, symbolizing his departure from the past. Upon reaching Europe, he embraces the beauty of Italy and Greece, fulfilling his dreams and discovering self-love amidst the backdrop of history and romance. The story underscores the transformative power of travel and the realization that a true love story can be one's own journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

Opinions

The author believes that personal growth is more important than attempting to fix others, emphasizing the phrase, "You can’t fix people, you can only fix yourself."
There is an appreciation for Princess Cruises' accommodating and gay-friendly policies, which provided support for the author's relationship at the time.
The Caribbean cruises are portrayed as less desirable, characterized by more work and exposure to the sun, but were endured for the sake of love.
The Atlantic crossing serves as a metaphor for irreversible life changes and the decision to move on from a relationship that no longer serves one's well-being.
The author expresses a deep connection with Europe, particularly Italy and Greece, as places of profound love stories and personal memories.
The narrative suggests that the Universe may have its own reasons for life's events, and sometimes it's best not to question them but to embrace the experiences offered.
The conclusion drawn is that a love story can be about finding and loving oneself, rather than solely focusing on a romantic partner.

Finding that his true love was staring back at him all along

To be in Europe was a childhood dream. When I was on ships, it was my dream destination. My first Europe was because of a love affair, yes, a boy love story.

My ex-boyfriend then wanted another chance, and like anyone who thinks they can fix people, I said ok. If you have a lesson to learn from reading this, it is: You can’t fix people, you can only fix yourself.

So for that to happen, we have to be on the same ship on our next contract. I seldom ask for favors but I remember requesting the head office to consider my request to be on the same ship as the ex. Princess Cruises is very accommodating with couples. For that, I commend them for being gay friendly too, even when we are not together anymore.

You can’t fix people, you can only fix yourself.

But Europe wasn’t the first destination, I have to go through months of Caribbean cruises. Something I didn’t want to do. Caribbean cruises are 7-day cruises and if you have worked on ships it means more work, with two formal nights. The Caribbean also means being in the sun a lot. I am not a fan of the sun, the secret to my beautiful skin, but again all for love, let’s do some Caribbean cruises.

I am excited about the future, to walk around Rome like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday is a dream come true. I wanted to be the princess that ends up with her prince charming. There is no other place to have all those memories but in Europe. In Italy, the old world, where the greatest love stories have been lived and told.

But, life doesn’t always give you what you want. Only the Universe knows its reasons and I stopped thinking about the whys of life.

Before I get to Europe, there is this one cruise, the Crossing the Atlantic cruise. It marks the end of the Caribbean season, it was like leaving the old for the new. The metaphor isn’t lost, as on this cruise, the ex-boyfriend was back in his old ways. I guess one Asian boy is and never will be enough for him. Unlike the first time we broke up, this one isn’t hard at all, I left.

The crossing the Atlantic was like crossing the Rubicon. There is no turning back with the decision to leave. Once you get to Gibraltar, it is here where once you crossed, you are in Europe.

Armed with a broken heart, I managed to have great memories of Europe. Remember it was my dream, it felt then the Universe was telling me;

“I want you to enjoy Europe without anyone causing you joy or pain.”

I remember seeing the places I wanted to see, the museums I wanted to visit, the roads I wanted my feet to walk on.

Italy and Greece remain my top two favorite places, where the greatest stories of love and tragedy are told, here are where gods gather around Mt. Olympus. Where poets, writers, and philosophers in their endless pursuit of knowledge walked the road, I was walking on.

To this day, I am grateful for all the memories.

A Love story isn’t all about finding someone, it can be about finding yourself and loving yourself.