Love Is...

As I approach this new year, as I reflect on my parents' relationship, as I evaluate my own marriage, it got me contemplating what or how Love is shown. 

For me, Love is...

*riding in a car for 8 hours without getting on one another's nerves.

*loving to talk with the other person, but being equally comfortable in the silence. 

*tolerating a radio station you would not choose because the other person enjoys it.  (we both did that yesterday!)

*reaching for a hand to hold and knowing it will be there. 

*singing along at the top of your lungs without being embarrassed. 

*knowing you can sob all over your loved one's shoulder over a major life disappointment without feeling like you should suck it up and get over it.

*getting the other person a glass of water or going to pick up their favorite food without huffing or eye-rolling.

*feeling free to ask the aforementioned favor.

*taking a walk together just because you enjoy one another's company.

*curling up watching TV or sitting beside one another reading.  knowing it's not always even about the activity, it's about being together.  it's about sharing space and life.

*the overwhelming feeling of gratitude that the other person has chosen YOU to spend their life with.

*the overwhelming feeling of gratitude that you chose them as well.  and that, no matter how deep into the journey you are, you still like the other person.

*knowing that your life will never be the same.

*not looking for greener grass, but tending your own together.

*every little, fantastic thing that, by itself may seem insignificant.  but when you add them all up, it means love.