My mother has taught me that ‘love is showing up’, and I hold on to that lesson with all my strength.

Love reminds you that it’s there. It makes space, it makes time, it honors, it forgives, it respects, it corrects, it serves.

Love is an action word - it requires doing.

What no one tells you about having a partner that treats you so well is that ultimately you end up treating yourself way better too.

They raise your standards not just for how other people should treat you, but also for how you should treat yourself.

I’m rather picky about who I say I love you to, it’s not something that is said lightly — not because I don’t appreciate others but more that I believe that phrase to be particularly special, that it should only be said to those who genuinely hold a special place in your heart.

Because when it’s said like this with intention those you share these words with know that it holds meaning underpinned by both depth and sincere appreciation for the relationship you share.

One thing you should never feel bad about is showing an abundance of love, even if it isn’t reciprocated in kind — you should be proud not embarrassed, to keep a heart full of love is one of the strongest things you can do.

Relationships are a remarkable portal for self-awareness — they often mirror many of the things we need to work through. No relationship is a mistake, they all contribute to the growth of both yourself and the collective.

A love where you are both confident and happy individuals that come together to form a union that evolves both you and the relationship as you continue to grow and experience life together — true love, to be forever cherished.