Some other posts recently have touched on "love language." For many years I've found this to be an interesting and special topic because my parents, who were married for forty-something years, are now divorced. I had a very happy childhood along with my siblings; no one is perfect and all families are "weird" in their own ways, but there weren't any huge scandals or revelations. Anyway, the divorce came as a shock! We all thought they would be together forever, but after that came out it was clear to look back and see that the marriage was never very... affectionate. They loved each other, but it was perhaps more a thing of convenience between two somewhat selfish people whose deep, truly loving connection (if there ever was one) had died long ago.
The example they set for me/us (my sister agrees) as a married couple was one that was not playful or spontaneous. There didn't seem to be a bone deep love or care beyond making sure that the other was clothed, fed, sheltered, and in physically good health after an accident. They were friends with benefits...but not even great friends, at that.
In my adult dating years, I have seen and felt for myself that this is not the way a relationship has to be. You can be thoughtful, caring, and considerate of your partner. Have tickle fights and be funny. Do stupid voices and sing to each other. Have entire conversations without saying a single word. You can show how much you care by doing small actions.
My sister is very lucky indeed. She found a man who worships the ground she walks on. They hug every time they reunite after a day apart. They give a quick little peck on the lips when one leaves the room. They sleep apart due to his too noisy sleep apnea machine and snoring, but she tucks him in every night.
I, too, have been treated like a princess, but I'll admit that due to the fact that it's a long distance relationship, it hasn't yet progressed to include some of the actions above - if it ever would - that depends on the individuals involved. What he has done for me thus far suggests that he is a soul who enjoys giving and receiving physical affection. He told me that he used to braid his ex-wife's hair, which I feel is a unique and loving gesture.
So what about you? Was there ever a relationship that you viewed from the outside or were involved in (perhaps now) where the love and care and nurturing was so evident that it practically manifested itself in an ethereal glow? I don't mean over the top gross PDA, but simple actions that scream "this person really matters to that person." Is that something you want? Something you think you'll ever find? Is it once in a lifetime?
The example they set for me/us (my sister agrees) as a married couple was one that was not playful or spontaneous. There didn't seem to be a bone deep love or care beyond making sure that the other was clothed, fed, sheltered, and in physically good health after an accident. They were friends with benefits...but not even great friends, at that.
In my adult dating years, I have seen and felt for myself that this is not the way a relationship has to be. You can be thoughtful, caring, and considerate of your partner. Have tickle fights and be funny. Do stupid voices and sing to each other. Have entire conversations without saying a single word. You can show how much you care by doing small actions.
My sister is very lucky indeed. She found a man who worships the ground she walks on. They hug every time they reunite after a day apart. They give a quick little peck on the lips when one leaves the room. They sleep apart due to his too noisy sleep apnea machine and snoring, but she tucks him in every night.
I, too, have been treated like a princess, but I'll admit that due to the fact that it's a long distance relationship, it hasn't yet progressed to include some of the actions above - if it ever would - that depends on the individuals involved. What he has done for me thus far suggests that he is a soul who enjoys giving and receiving physical affection. He told me that he used to braid his ex-wife's hair, which I feel is a unique and loving gesture.
So what about you? Was there ever a relationship that you viewed from the outside or were involved in (perhaps now) where the love and care and nurturing was so evident that it practically manifested itself in an ethereal glow? I don't mean over the top gross PDA, but simple actions that scream "this person really matters to that person." Is that something you want? Something you think you'll ever find? Is it once in a lifetime?