In this vast world, we were lucky enough to meet. We looked up at the same moment, and our eyes met. You made me laugh, even though you thought you were anything but funny. We talked, and we gave it a chance.
We’ve weathered major storms and experienced great joy, too. Together. Just the two of us. We’ve built a life together. Together. Just the two of us. We complete each other, we understand each other, we love each other. Together. Just the two of us.
With the arrival of the children and our hectic pace of life, I think we’ve drifted away from our foundation, from what’s truly essential. From what makes us close and radiant. When did we stop thinking about each other? When did we stop saying “I love you” before falling asleep? How long has it been since our last stolen kiss when we ran into each other in the hallway? Why have we lost our spontaneity?
I take a large share of the blame for these questions… I’ve forgotten my inner woman since becoming a mother, and let’s just say I don’t make our daily life any easier. Why don’t I notice your little gestures of affection like I used to? Why have I lost your sweet words amid our conversations interrupted by the kids? I know I need to refocus, that I need to find a way to reignite my heart. Is it okay to go back to square one? Can we say nothing while looking into each other’s eyes, like we used to? Can we pause for two seconds and just say, “I love you”?
I still think it every day when I open my eyes. Despite the dark circles under my eyes and my gloomy mood. I still feel it just as strongly as when I first told you. I feel it even when I want to cry, even when I’m angry or exhausted. I still think it every day when I open my eyes. Because I feel it, because it’s the only thing still alive inside me. You’re the one thing still firmly rooted in my heart.
So can we just tell each other that we love each other? Just because. To make each other feel good. Together. Just the two of us. I know you still feel the same way. I know it’s still just as strong for you, too. It’s just that hearing it more often would be good for our little hearts, worn out by bedtime routines and bath time that always ends with a parental “wet T-shirt” moment.
What if we just told each other we love each other? Just like that. Just because it’s beautiful. Just because it’s sweet. It’s good to be together. It’s good to be a couple. It’s good to love each other. Just like before. Together. As a couple.
What if I told you that I love you…