I told J many times how I give timing and my willingness to finally entertain romance the credit as to why we got together. He didn’t really needed to do a lot other than (1) be a guy I could like, (2) show sincere interest, and (3) not be an asshole. I was single and finally ready, willing, decided, and eager to mingle! If anybody else beat him to it, I would’ve probably gotten involved with that person in some capacity, too.
“Okay,” he replies to me with a pout on his face each time I mention this. It is what it is.
“But,” I interject for the first time. “Why I’ve stayed—you can take the full credit every time.”
Because he persevered in breaking down my walls.
Because I don’t feel the need to dumb myself down in conversations with him around music, media, politics, faith, work, finances, et al.
Because, despite being reserved, I don’t have to hold his hand in getting to know the people close to me be it family, relatives, or my many circle of friends.
Because his love for me is evident to everybody.
Because he brings me down to Earth.
Because he doesn’t restrict any of my friendships—both male, female, and nonbinary.
Because he would never not insist to resolve a fight or an argument until it’s done.
Because he brings me a glass of water every after meal or a snack, for my medications, or just to keep me hydrated almost like clockwork.
Because he tries to massage my back and arms each time they would ache or get numb, even though he’s not very good at it.
Because he goes out of his way to make my life at least a tad bit easier.
Because he loves my dogs nearly as much as I do.
Because he takes note of what’s important to me.
Because we can have fun doing nothing, being alone, together.
Because we don’t feel any pressure to fill the silence or our days to please or impress each other.
Because I love you and I’m sorry rolls of my tongue easy for him.
Because he corrects me in private and with love.
Because I don’t have to filter myself around him and vice-versa.
Because he loves me for who I am and never made me feel like I’m too much.
Because his presence is enough to make me feel protected.
Because he never gives me a reason to doubt his faithfulness and loyalty to me.
Because he respects me as his equal.
Because we grow together, side by side.
Because we dream essentially the same thing together.
…among many other things.
Happy Anniversary, J. Thank you for staying and for making me stay for the last 6+ years. The next time we do this, we’ll be man and wife.