to be loved is to be seen.
What a beautiful phrase. Probably one of my favorites of all time.
It is intimacy and connection in one of their highest forms.
Because what do you mean you took the chilis from my food because you know I can’t eat spicy food.
You researched the place to check if there are any birds because you know I’m scared of them.
You put more ice in my glass because you know I like my drinks colder.
You invite me to step out for a bit in the middle of a party because you know I get overstimulated.
You buy me bread every time you pass by my favorite bakery.
You know my coffee order by heart. And that you buy me a new drink if my first coffee order sucked.
You take me to a museum because you know I love history.
You send me a song because it reminds you of me.
You give me a book I had been raving about for weeks.
You make me a good breakfast because I’m always in a rush in the morning.
You understand what I am trying to say, even when I can't finish and get stuck in my emotions.
You cook my comfort meal after a long day.
You don’t raise your voice at me because you know it makes me uncomfortable.
You give me my own time and space because I need it.
You notice every microexpression of my face.
You picked a place that serves good matcha because you know I only drink matcha.
You pack some snacks because you know I can get hangry.
You let me sleep in because I had a long night.
You pick up a random thing in the grocery because you know I would love it.
You get me flowers because it makes me smile.
You allot some time for window shopping when we go out because you know I love browsing.
You let me talk for hours about my interests because it makes me excited.
You always call me good night.
You get my tire checked because you care about my safety.
You notice the shifts in my mood, however big or small they are.
You play my favorite album on the car ride home.
You pick up something you saw because it reminded you of me.
How grand.
How romantic.
How considerate.
How beautiful.
For another person in this world to know you, hear you, see you, and remember pieces of you.
For them to understand your needs and wants and act on them unprompted.
It’s in these simplest of acts where you see genuine love is formed, across friendships and relationships. It’s in this quiet understanding of who you are at your core and their acceptance of what that is.
Because what are we after all, but a mosaic of everyone we know and love.
“Perhaps one did not want to be loved so much as to be understood.” —George Orwell, 1984