I think it's working out!

[Lindsey]

Well, I've been sticking it out with Kyle, and we've had many talks that have actually GOTTEN somewhere, instead of just "let's not fight anymore" and forget about it for one night.
He has pretty much gotten over his grudge against Layla. In fact, sometimes he even KISSES her! Sometimes I still tell him to stop bugging her so much, but as soon as he stops, she wags her tail and runs at his hands for more! So I guess as long as she's having fun it's okay with me. She doesn't sleep on my bed anymore when he stays over, but when he's not there she's my little snuggle buddy! I think she's just falling into her role, that when he's around he's the "dominant" one in their relationship. Actually, she seems to be listening to me better too. Maybe it was a good thing for Kyle to step in and say "Okay, now treat her like she's a dog" She's still my baby, but she knows I'm the boss. The biggest thing was when I got her hair cut last weekend, and it turned out pretty bad. Kyle told me later "I was actually thinking when we walked in that we should just take her and leave. I didn't like how they were cutting the dogs there." Since WHEN does he care about Layla's appearance? But he did laugh pretty hard when she came out looking like a shaved rat with a lion head! But he held her for me so I could trim her up myself and make her look a little better
We haven't had a fight in weeks. He even took me out to his grandparents' cabin last weekend where I met his grandparents, his mom, and his dogs! I really like his family. His mom is a HUGE dog lover, and she does the exact same work as I do! His grandparents were really sweet and they all want to see me again. I also got to see his house for the first time. He still lives with his mom so he can pay off student loans which should be done next year. He won't let ANYONE see his house. I know his mom isn't rich, she's a single mother of two boys who both still live at home. But the condition of their home is pretty bad. It's a very very old house that badly needs drywall and paint, and some places even a ceiling! Kyle said he hates being there and he hates people seeing it, but it kind of made me like him more. I don't know why, but I guess I've dated guys who grew up having EVERYTHING and I can't stand their attitudes.
I just thought I'd update you all with some positive news

[Gina]

I am happy to read your thread Lindsey, sounds like Kyle is come a long way ... Bravo! He must really care for you, he is showing you that he is.. You touched my heart when you mention the condition of his home and he sounds like a down to earth guy.It was a big step for him to introduce you to his family I bet and to bring you to his home. Sometimes you can't judge a book by its cover. He must have had a tough childhood. He sounds like he grew into a nice young man. Glad that you are giving him a chance.

[Lindsey]

Thanks Gina. You don't know how many times I considered just ending it when we were having our constant fights. If he was just some guy that I met and started dating, I think it would have been over after the first couple fights. I guess knowing him as a friend for a year and a half first really helped me see that there IS a good guy in there if I just try to get him out. Now that I've met his family and seen his home, he has nothing to hide from me anymore. I think before he was just trying to push me away. He told me he was so scared I would judge him after seeing where he lives, and he was scared I wouldn't like his family!
His parents are divorced and his dad lives in Winnipeg which is pretty far from here. He's coming in this month to see Kyle and his brother, and Kyle already asked me to go out to eat with them so I can meet his dad too!

[judy]

What a wonderful post Lindsey! He fell in love with Layla! I really like that he wanted to take her out of the groomers. You're smart to let them form their own relationship at this point. It sounds like they're enjoying each other. So what if he's the dominant one? Like you said, she's behaving better.

It also sounds like he really cares for you. It's like he got over that block and opened up to you. Maybe he was testing you.

Whatever. As long as you're both happy, not fighting and communicating.

Keep us posted.