Love
Thinking about what she likes, when you buy food to make dinner, no matter what you would prefer. Imagining her reaction for everything you do when you are not with her. Working your ass off so you both can be comfortable. Wanting to make children together, and bring them up together. Always being on the same team, no matter how pissed off you are at her. Getting her back, as she gets yours.
Taking two years to decide what carpet to buy. Staying with her even when you feel disconnected, believing that, somehow, you’ll get that feeling again. Lighting up when she smiles. Getting that warm wiggle in your tummy when she looks happy. Knowing that both of you think there is no sacrifice too big to make the other one feel good.
Putting up with her mother, her sisters, and her sister’s husbands without throwing your drink in their faces. Watching chick flicks. Not watching football all day on both Saturday and Sunday. Lying next to her rubbing her shoulders even though you’d much rather be fluthering. Urging her, for the thousandth time, to take care of herself, to think she’s worth taking care of, and to not feel like everything has to be so perfect.
Riding your bike for miles so you can lose some weight. Using the CPAP machine so she can sleep. Closing the door to the bedroom (which makes it stifling), so she isn’t worrying about the kids wandering in. Turning the thermostat up to 78, even though you are making damp spots appear all over your shirt.
Love is a million things you do with her in mind, because you want her to feel good. Because you never stop thinking about her, somewhere in the back of your mind.