Twining: Embracing Differences to Strengthen Your Bond

Ted Burton
Twin Flame
Published in
6 min readJul 30, 2024
Photo taken by author

One warm summer morning, my flame and I decided to embark on a journey to Sun Valley. The drive from Washington State to Idaho was scenic and filled with breathtaking views of mountains, forests, and lakes. Every turn brought new marvels, and we couldn’t help but stop multiple times to take pictures and soak in the beauty. The road trip was amazing! Driving on the West Coast, I was amazed by the beautiful trees, the landscape of Washington State, and the gorgeous mountain views. It was like driving through a postcard.

As we drove deeper into Idaho, the lush greenery of Washington gave way to the rugged, mountainous terrain of Idaho. The air was crisp and clean, enveloping us in a sense of tranquility. We talked about everything during that drive — our hopes, our fears, and our dreams for the future. It was one of those rare moments where time seemed to stand still, and all that mattered was the two of us and the open road ahead.

Arriving in Sun Valley

Arriving in Sun Valley was more amazing than expected. The hometown coffee shops, the great food, the amazing houses, the landscaping, and the hiking trails. I fell in love with the openness and peacefulness Idaho has to offer. We spent a ton of time at the Sun Valley Lounge. Nice views, great drinks, and beautiful people, and it was there where I faced racism in my face for the first time.

The Sun Valley Lounge Incident

One evening, as we unwound with drinks at the Sun Valley Lounge, I struck up a conversation with a man from Ohio. The conversation started innocuously enough, revolving around our mutual love for Cincinnati chili and our favorite sports teams. However, the tone took a sudden and jarring turn when the man made a racist remark, calling me a Colin Kaepernick black man. At first, I was confused. How did a fun conversation about Ohio turn into race? He later said there are cocky black people and that I was a cocky black man. Shocked, I walked back to my flame, handing them the drink with a heavy heart.

As I relayed what had happened, my flame erupted in anger. She stood up and began yelling in the middle of the lounge, their voice echoing through the upscale establishment. “This place has changed, and racism has no place here!” she shouted, confronting the man who had made the remark, the bartender, and even the front desk staff. Their outburst was a powerful statement, a refusal to accept the prejudice that had been directed at me.

The lounge fell silent as everyone turned to watch the unfolding drama. The tension was palpable, and I could see the discomfort on the faces of those around us. My flame’s defense of me was both heartening and unsettling, as it highlighted the deep-seated issues that still plagued society.

Confrontation with the Police

After being asked to leave the lounge, we walked out into the cool night air, my heart heavy with a mix of gratitude and sorrow. My flame had stood up for me in a way that no one had before, and I felt a profound sense of love and appreciation for my flame. However, the incident had also left me shaken, a stark reminder of the challenges we still faced.

As we stepped outside, we were met with the flashing lights of police cars. My heart sank. The lounge had called the cops on us, and now I was the only black person in a confrontation with law enforcement. The fear was immediate and visceral, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. The police approached us, their expressions stern and unreadable. My flame immediately began explaining what had happened, their voice calm but firm.

The next 45 minutes were a blur of conversations and explanations. The officers listened, their expressions softening as they heard our side of the story. Despite the tension, the officers were surprisingly understanding, acknowledging the racism we had encountered and the inappropriate behavior of the lounge’s patrons. In a surprising turn of events, the officers offered to drive us home, ensuring that we got home safely.

Reflection and Healing

The next morning, we woke up feeling a mix of emotions. My flame was deeply hurt by the racism we had encountered, and I was grappling with the betrayal I felt. My friendly intent had been twisted into something ugly, and it was a painful reminder of the prejudice that still existed. We spent the morning talking about the incident, processing our feelings and supporting each other. My flame’s fierce defense of me had been a powerful gesture, and it deepened our bond.

Our time in Sun Valley was a journey of self-discovery and growth. It was a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, and the power of love and support in the face of adversity. As we drove back to Washington, we carried with us the lessons we had learned and the memories we had made.

Continued Growth and Advocacy

Upon returning home, my flame and I became more involved in advocating for racial equality and social justice. The incident in Sun Valley had ignited a fire within us, and we were determined to make a difference. We joined local organizations, participated in protests, and used our voices to speak out against injustice.

Our relationship continued to grow stronger as we navigated the challenges and triumphs of life together. We supported each other’s dreams, celebrated each other’s successes, and provided a safe space for each other to heal and grow. Our journey was far from easy, but it was filled with love, resilience, and a shared commitment to creating a better world.

Our time in Sun Valley was a pivotal moment in our lives. It reminded us of the progress that still needed to be made, and the importance of standing up for what is right. It was also a testament to the power of love and support in overcoming adversity. Together, we continue to fight for a better future, learning and growing each day.

Lessons Learned from Our Journey

1. Embrace Differences to Strengthen Bonds

My flame’s upbringing in the privileged enclave of Sun Valley, Idaho, starkly contrasted with my more modest background. This difference initially felt like a barrier, but it ultimately strengthened our bond. We learned to appreciate each other’s unique perspectives and experiences, which brought us closer together.

2. Stand Up Against Injustice

During our time in Sun Valley, we faced a shocking incident of racism. My flame’s fierce defense of me in an upscale lounge was a powerful moment of solidarity. It highlighted the importance of standing up against injustice, no matter the setting or the people involved.

3. Find Strength in Adversity

The challenges we faced on our road trip, from getting lost to dealing with car troubles, tested our patience and resilience. These obstacles brought us closer together, teaching us the value of teamwork and mutual support in overcoming difficulties.

4. Advocate for Change

Our experience in Sun Valley ignited a passion for advocacy within us. We returned home more committed than ever to fighting for racial equality and social justice. Our journey showed us that love and support can fuel meaningful change, both in our lives and in the broader community.

This delves into the themes of love, resilience, and advocacy, offering a personal narrative that ties into the broader concept of twin flames. The included lessons and tag lines help convey the deeper meanings and actionable insights derived from our journey.

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Thanks for reading!

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Ted Burton
Twin Flame

I've spent the past four years in a bubble. When you realize wealth can only take you so far- it's time to get off my ass and do something good.