Ok, so I want to push back on one small thing and then agree with basically everything else lol
The OP says physical union is inevitable and I get why that feels true when you’re in the thick of it. But it’s not guaranteed. At least I don’t personally believe so, there was a thread on this before.
One runner’s confession I read was basically ‘I’m not running forever, just until I’m ready - deep down I know our moment will come.’ Another woman, though, said she still fears he hasn’t healed and honestly doesn’t know if she even wants a reunion anymore. Healing is required on both sides and sometimes one person just… doesn’t do it. The work is the point. The outcome doesn’t matter. Not in the scheme of things (although that is hard to feel).
The part about the runner feeling everything, too, yes. A thousand times, yes. We always assume they’re off living their best life while we’re sitting in agony, but runners think about their chaser constantly. My twin told me they used to dream about me constantly. I had just assumed that was one-sided.
They’re doing some of the hardest work of their lives in complete silence. Runners don’t get enough credit for what they go through. Their ego requires them to stay in control, and surrendering to this level of love feels like full identity annihilation to them.