The best thing about having a close, loving relationship is that you know everything about your partner. Not only the sound of their voice, their laughter and their smile, but the things the public doesn’t see.

The not so good days, illness, feeling run down or being in a bad mood.

All of the sweet and not so sweet moments were shared by two, unseen by anyone but us.

Its the moments the rest of the world doesn’t see that really is the core of the relationship.

The private ways we were with each other, that only he and I shared.  We were light-hearted together, laughing for so many reasons, mostly at our own silliness.

We had difficult moments too.  A long distance relationship was trying at times, but we made it last with honest conversations and plenty of love, understanding, grace and respect.

The intimate moments, like when I memorized his face,  the magic in his smile,  the sparkle in his rich blue eyes.  I do remember not only how his handsome face looked, but how it felt.

Relationships really are made up of a million little things, unseen by family, unseen by friends or the public.

They are the everyday, personal, ordinary moments that are so minute (adj.) … so small, that they go by without a second thought, until those moments become a memory.  The average, everyday tasks we do as we dance through our days.

I knew what he looked like when he brushed his teeth, or put in his contacts.  I would catch glimpses of his smile as he poured my coffee or beat me at crib.  For us, our life really was about the simplistic,  beautiful journey and not the destination.

To really appreciate the average, everyday moments with your beloved is to really live.

The greatness was, we continued to grow in friendship.  He was my best friend and he often told me that I was his.

I smile as I type this, hearing his words ringing in my mind, saying “the conversation IS the relationship”.

It really is. It’s how you speak to each other.  Are your words kind?  Do you speak to your significant other in a way that reflects love and honour?

When he spoke to me, it was with kindness and consideration, and reflected his love for me. I reciprocated in kind.

A grand gesture expressing love is beautiful,  but, its the ongoing small considerations, smiles and the peaceful, intimate moments that are everlasting.

They are the moments that matter in the end.