We were up for hours that night, sitting cross-legged on the living room floor, the lights off, the TV glare filling the space. You had boxes full of old DVDs, showing me which movies made you cry and which ones made you laugh. Which ones you turned off and which ones caused a flutter in your heart. And even if I was tired, eyes drowsy from too much wine, I could have listened to you for hours more, because the way you talk about the things you love is why it’s you I adore.

Darling, I saw you standing there

and all the words fell away

Darling, you laugh and my heart

beats faster than I can say

Now, we’re listening to records

in our own meant-to-be

Darling, forever you will be the

most important thing to me

Date who you want to date, love who you want to love.

Tongue tied and heart beating fast is how to live.

Some people get so mad seeing other people in love. And I don’t know if it’s jealousy or just wanting to stir things around. But watching people in love is not just inspiring, it’s profound.

I’ve traveled the world, seen sunsets and mountains and city skylines. And my idea of love has been constantly changing, but if it means anything, I like the way love feels, when I look at you and it’s like I have the whole world right beside me.

I love you,

like I love soup

on a cold winter’s day.

How it warms me,

makes me feel at ease.

You hung hope around my neck, told me to wear it every day. You said the nights wouldn’t be so lonely anymore. And I must admit, in the beginning I bet against us, thinking you would leave, and yet you proved me wrong. How happy I am you chose to stay.

I love to document our love. Each photograph makes the moments with you stand still, so I can hold them forever. Friday night and kissing you in the mirror; Sunday morning asleep in the sheets, sun draped over your bare back. Tuesday night drinking wine by the river; and midweek afternoons sipping coffee until the sky dims. We are building an album of moments, and in each one you are more beautiful than ever.

Be romantic. Arrange dinner plans at her favorite restaurant, bring her coffee in bed, write her a love letter, hold her hand during a late-night movie. Give without wanting in return; love is about giving more than gaining.

I don’t know how you make my heart beat so fast when you kiss me, or when you place your hands on either side of my face, how my cheeks flush, hot beneath your touch. But I know that every kiss I’ve had before yours has never made me feel so alive.