Day 709 - From Beneath

It rises up from beneath,
While you're deep asleep,
A roaring growl, or simple squeal,
It races down in a ferocious gale,
There's no stopping at the tiny hole,
Too much force, it just lets go,
It ruffles the sheets,
Bends and kneads through the heat,
Finding a space, it seeps on through,
Musking the air without a cue,
My lover nearby will wake to find,
A smiling face, enjoying flavors of mine.

Day 703 - Last Night

Tonight I woke at 1 A.M.
Just three hours after going to bed,
I felt as if I was being choked,
Tiny bits of pressure on my throat
Cutting off my ability to breath,
In that moment, I decide to rise.

I moved about the house slowly,
Endlessly tired, with no energy,
I drank a few sips of water,
And languished on my chair,
In the darkness, my thoughts wandered,
Seeing different iterations of the me.

At first I was perched on a hill,
An explorer creating my own path,
Seeking out sights never seen,
Meeting people I've never met,
I experienced a new life through their eyes,
Discovered myself while walking alone.

The next me was lonely and afraid,
Never straying from a bland routine,
Up early for a long work day,
Home to eat and sit to watch TV,
My fearless face had become so weak,
Emotionless and showing a sad defeat.

In the end, my mind placed you next to me,
A peaceful and calm man I began to see,
Not worried about seeing the world,
Nor scared of an unfulfilled 9 to 5,
I felt complete with the little smiles and joys,
The ones only your heart could give to mine. 

Day 702 - Remains To Be Seen

It remains to be seen,
How your family will react to me,
A foreign man taking their angel away,
A bit older and beginning to grey.
Perhaps they'll see me as an enemy,
Leaving me lonely, wandering the streets,
Or perhaps I'll be seen as a white knight,
Leading the path to a better way of life.
Either way, I believe that love always win,
Or else we may face a reckoning.

Day 695 - Safe Travels

Dearest love,
Safe travels to you,
To meet your loving family,
May you bring them joy and happiness,
Lighting up all that surrounds you.
Though I will miss you,
Just knowing how much you love me,
Will fill me with holiday cheer.

Day 694 - A Lot Left To Do

Hold on,
Hold on to me girl,
We got a lot,
A lot left to do.

There's a fire inside, we haven't felt,
Wet Eskimo kisses, just making me melt,
There's bridges out there, we haven't crossed,
Cities of wonder, where we can get lost.

Hold on,
Hold on to me girl,
We got a lot,
A lot left to do.

There's stars in the sky, we haven't touched,
Wild flower fields, just waiting for us.
There's worlds to explore, we've never seen,
Your hand in mine, just living a dream.

Day 693 - Spreading Happiness

I love seeing your face light up,
And your smile grow wide,
When you talk about family things,
And the gifts you bought for them.
You heart is so big and wide,
Although sometimes it hides,
Beneath other emotional rides,
Family is always first on your mind.
I couldn't ask for a more caring soul,
You know what's important as this life goes,
Loving and supporting both young and old,
With selfless little ways of making happiness grow.

Day 692 - Her Love

I hear it in her words,

I read it in her eyes, 

I feel in her touch, 

I know it from her laugh, 

I see it in her smile.

Day 691 - Top of the world

First time I heard this song it made me think of us: 

"Don't know where we're gonna be

but I know we're gonna be, 

Sittin' on top of the world."

Day 680 - To The Moon

If my heart was rocket, I'd send it to you,
You can climb on board and we'll head to the moon.
We can steam up the windows on our way through the clouds,
Watch the stars explode as we get aroused.
We'll wave goodbye to all those earthly beings,
Focus solely on us and future we're seeing.

Day 679 - Believe

If you find time to believe,
You'll never be deceived,
By anything or anyone.

Day 678 - One For My Sister

To celebrate my sister finally leaving her emotionally reckless man:

This hurt inside is alive,
I've lost all my pride,
Begging for second try.

But I've made up my mind,
I'm gonna be fine,
Maybe in a month of time.

You're not the one for me,
I just could't see,
Through flames of deceit .

But now that fire has died,
And what's left inside?
A spark to lift my stride.

I've not been here before,
But I will close all the doors,
To a past that's left me torn.

There's nothing I regret,
I'm not gonna fret,
My future is wide open yet.
.

Day 677 - Thanksgiving 2015

Thankful.
For love, and the peace that comes with.
For the complete satisfaction it brings to my life.
For the joy and happiness I see in your eyes,
Each time those words we exchange.
My love is given to you in full from my heart,
Spoken with meaning in each breath I speak.
I am privileged beyond belief to have found you.
I will allow nothing to tear up apart our hearts.

Day 674 - Muah

"Muah,"
Is written on my screen,
Sent by electronic means,
It made no kissing sound,
Leaves little sensation found,
Still, I pretend it's real,
My love I can't conceal,
I send back a kissy face,
All my sadness is erased.

Day 670 - Not How I Love

He hits her with words,
Leaving mental bruises behind,
Marks of man afraid of his own love.
He lies with the intent to deceive, 
Blends his words so imperfectly,
Yet she only continues to believe every line.
He just can't open his heart,
And like a bottle rocket, he explodes,
Blaming her for every misstep he takes.

She's become a weakened soul,
A fragile version of her former esteem,  
Giving so much, receiving nothing in return.
She feels the deception, time and time again,
Tears flow heavily down her cheeks,
He flees, as she apologetically returns.
Her heart is crippled, afraid to be alone,
So in love with a man who will never be,
Blinding her mind to all that she sees.

Day 667 - Puzzled

Our life may be a puzzle now,
Pieces strewn all around,
Unclear which end fits where,
But as we work together each day,
Following our trust and our faith,
We'll pick up the pieces one by one,
Lay them strategically in place,
And watch as our beautiful life takes shape.

Day 666 - A Little Ditty

I thought I was just kissing a pretty girl,
I had no idea you would change my whole world.

Day 658 - She Said Yes

White light flickers down the hall,
Highlighting red petals on the ground,
They lead the way to a nervous man,
A beautiful heart of roses at rest,
And photos spanning three years of love.

Enter my loving lady,
The sigh of "aww, babe!" echos in my ears,
My heart flutters in silent excitement.
Running through my words one final time,
I'm ready to finally make her forever mine.

Bending down on one knee,
I reach out, a tiny box in hand,
I promise happiness for all of our years,
And ask only the same in return,
Without hesitation a resounding "Yes!"

Day 632 - Up and Away

Up, up and away in a cylinder made of steel and tin. Floating with the clouds, listening to the whistling of the wind. 

A baby cries while others sleep. I sit silently with my thoughts in peace. 

I'm on my way to walk with my girl. Traveling light, headed across this big ole world. 

The sun peeks with it's blessed rays. Glowing like a crown just out above the haze. 

Like birds we soar, wings steering, powered by jets below. At 30,000 feet the window-view really steals the show. 

Still, I can't wait to land and run to baby's arms. Kiss her lips and seduce her with my charm. 

Day 633 - Love of a Lifetime

When you sit back and reflect on your life, sometimes you find yourself re-living a moment over and over again, wondering why it is such a vivid memory, when it seemingly has no bearing on the life you have lived. Then, one day, a new and completely unexpected moment unfolds, linking the past to the present and making your life seem like a scripted Hollywood movie.

In the Spring of 1994 I had just celebrated my twelfth birthday. Not having hit my growth spurt, I was below average in height and one of the skinniest kids in my class, despite having the appetite of a small village. I had many of the usual interest of a seventh grader growing up in Massachusetts. I loved the Red Sox and Patriots even though I had yet to be part of a championship celebration. I ran cross-country for the middle school, attempted to learn guitar and enjoyed skiing in the New England mountains. However, I would have to say that my biggest interest was listening to the radio.

I loved music from an early age. I missed all of the rock and pop music of the 80s while instead being hooked on "oldies" music. My parents had introduced me to the likes of Elvis, The Beatles, Jim Croce and I grew my own passion for everything Buddy Holly. I would sit and listen to the Boston and Providence radio stations every chance I could. I would write down the song titles, who sang them and of course I made my own mixed tapes. The latter made sitting by the radio a full time job, even forcing me to call the station to request specific songs.

At some point in 1993, I was scrolling the radio and stumbled upon a country music station. the song playing that day was "Chattahoochee" and it hooked me on exploring a new genre. I quickly became a fan of Alan Jackson, Garth and yes, even Billy Ray Cyrus. The lyrics and storytelling that country music purveyed, enthused me. I wanted to be a cowboy and attended every show my parents would allow in the area, which weren't many. For some reason country music was not that popular in my area and I am pretty sure I was the only one listening to it at my school.      

So, getting back to this "moment". Shortly after my birthday in 1994, I was walking home from the bus stop, a half-mile stretch of dirt road, when i passed my neighbors trash cans and found a cassette tape laying on the ground. After dusting it off, I found it read "Firehouse," a band I had never heard of and certainly not an oldies or country music band. I was quite excited about my new find and rushed home to give it a listen. After sliding it in my cassette player, I pressed played, turned up the volume and was immediately blown away. The first song I heard was "Love of a Lifetime." It was a powerful song for even a young man like me. I instantly became hooked on Firehouse and played the whole album over and over again, until I knew the words to every song.

While I thought I had stumbled upon a new band, it turns out I was once again behind the times. All of my school mates were talking about Weezer, a new album called "Dookie" and the death of a guy named Kurt Kobain. In light of this, I kept my love for Firehouse under wraps. I remember buying their "Super Hits" CD in 1999 on a ski trip to Canada, with my friends wondering why, and then again buying MP3s of their music in the early 2000s. I always had to have my Firehouse in the most current form of technology.

For whatever reason, the day I found that cassette is crystal clear in my memory and has played over in my mind many times. I have no explanation as to why, as it never seemed to have played a large role in any life decisions or really meant anything to me except introducing me to some great music.

Fast forward 18 years to 2012 and this Firehouse fan was now living in Nashville and took a one month study abroad trip to Taiwan. It was during this trip I met a girl from India. Mandy was intimidating at first, a bit loud and boisterous, but so delicately beautiful with her long black hair and playful brown eyes. I enjoyed her personality more and more as my trip went along. She was full of life and fun to be around. We laughed at the same things, utilized similar facial expressions and played well off each other's superb use of sarcasm.

One of the first things we talked about, after she learned I was living in Nashville, is her love of country music, specifically Tanya Tucker and Dolly Parton. This of course blew my mind. An Indian girl knows who these iconic country stars are, how can this be? We bonded a bit over country music and found ourselves endlessly flirting throughout the the end of the trip.

Despite growing close while in Taiwan, when I left, I never expected to see her again. I chalked it up to the bad luck I continually found with women. However, neither of us could seem to get each other off of our minds and we started talking just about every day on Skype. We learned more and more about each other's life before Taiwan and grew ever so close. Just on the fringe of the "love" stage of our long-distance relationship, it became clear that music was a strong bond we shared and I suggested we begin sending each other one song a day that expresses how we feel. Because if there is one thing music can do, it is express emotions and build bonds that simple words cannot.

When we first started sharing songs, I dug deep in to country music love songs since they always seem to tell a great story. There was John Berry, Doug Stone,   Trisha Yearwood, and of course Alabama. Each song spoke about love in different ways and we both enjoyed exploring new music while also building a stronger base for our love to grow upon. 

After almost 60 days and 120 songs we determined that the excitement of finding new songs to send to each other was dying out. On the last day of our share, I sent Mandy "Loving You is Fun," the current single by Easton Corbin and Mandy sent me "You Are My Religion."

Who sang the last song she sent? Well, it was none other than Firehouse, the band I fell in love with 18 years earlier. "How do you know Firehouse," I asked perplexed. In response, she said "everyone in my place knows them."

I am certain she could see the confusion in my face so I started naming songs and without missing a beat she would start singing the lyrics to each one. I was blown away! Here I was, a closeted Firehouse fan, who for years had to hide my love affair with their music, then along comes a beautiful girl, one I am already falling in love with, and I can finally share a deep hidden part of my soul. 

Life's moments are just so unpredictable. There I was in seventh grade, a puberty stricken boy, who found a random cassette tape in the road. Those songs and that moment burned in my mind ever since, but I never could determine why. Then, there I was at 30, falling in love with a girl thousands of miles away and she presents me with a moment that brings my life full circle. My heart melted there on the spot and I knew I had found my "Love of a Lifetime."

Day 629 - Love Song

Side by side, arm in arm,
We'll walk through life,
You'll be the beat of my heart,
The music in my soul,
We'll send high notes out in the world,
Creating a precious love song,
One we can sing through all our days.

Day 627 - Great Divide

As I always do,
I'm yearning for you.
To touch your face,
To be in one place.
I want to not be alone,
Dependent on a phone.
I want to breathe you in,
Run fingers on your skin.
I try so hard to feel alive,
As I slowly go crazy inside.
I keep pushing my mind,
Focused on a future in time.
I wish I could make it fly,
Shatter this great divide.

Day 618 - So Close

We're so close to our next meeting,
A chance to build our love stronger,
With hearts that freely beat.

Missing you builds up so many emotions,
I hope my tears stay hidden inside,
Allowing my smile to light the way.

We can turn on some Sam Smith,
As I lay by your side,
And I'll make sure you're alright.

Our patience will be rewarded with a touch,
No interruptions between our skin,
Holding on tightly through the night.

You're my only one, I love all of you,
I wish everyday could be like my dreams,
Just us two spinning in a world of happiness.

Day 610 - Superstars

Hollywood stars and city lights,
Just can't compare to our love in the night.
There is no red carpet leading our way,
But when in the mood, nothing leads us astray.
We keep passion in a co-starring role,
Along with the love growing deep in our souls.
As the plot thickens and mysteries unfold,
We'll have a serious talk on who wins the Oscar gold.

Day 609 - That Boy Is Me

He's mildly tempered,
Far from centered,
In a world he can't control.

He swears and shakes,
Knowing he just can't take,
Another day spent alone.

See, he fell madly in love,
With an angel from above,
Sent to save his world.

The only trouble is,
While he knows she is his,
He can't hold her close every night.

Life has become about one thing,
Him finding a way to bring,
Joy back in to his loving heart.

Day 606 - Mirror

This reflection is only of me,
A half lit smile approves what I see.

"Stand tall," echoes in both my ears,
"Show everyone your strong! No fears!"

The more I stare, my smile gets erased,
I'm all alone, seemingly stuck in this place.

I put up my fists to fight off those thoughts,
They win Round 1. Strong? Clearly I'm not.

I'd love to replace these tears on my cheeks,
Put them in the past, like worthless antiques.

The only way I could enjoy this broken view,
Is if two arms were holding me so true.

I'm sure I'd be laughing, all happy and proud,
Knowing I got the best girl in every crowd.

I'd see a slight sparkle in my lover's eyes,
Like two little stars dancing up in the skies.

We'd make faces and take selfie shots,
Practice our kisses for when we tie our knots.

You'll be my dancer and I your king,
Flying around the floor as if we have wings.

It's funny how the reflection changes when you're in view,
I could stand here all day and admire us two.

Day 604 - All We Have

Saying I love you is great
It's all we have as we wait,
For that wonderful day,
When we show love in our special way.

Day 596 - Only Human

Cut me open,
I bleed red,
I feel pain,
I'm only human.

See my heart,
Beating fast,
Pining for you,
Craving your love.

Those lungs,
They breathe air,
You take away,
Every single time.

My muscles twitch,
They ache in pain,
Wanting desperately,
To hold you.

My mind wanders,
Always hoping for,
No distance between,
Peace and harmony.

Day 595 - Slow Jams

Tonight I'm listening to the slow jams,
Adele is out chasing pavement, heading nowhere,
Mat Kearney has got nothing left to lose,
Hank is so lonesome, listening to whining trains,
The Judds are building bridges through love, and only love,
Michael Buble is begging to get back home,
Hunter Hayes would be happy being someone's heartbreak,
Tanya knows it's the little things that matter,
Ed Sheeren is thinking out loud,
And Billy Currington is hoping to be let down easy.
The music is nice, but it's all background noise,
While I sit here staring in to space, thinking about you.
I'm really so happy I found someone with music in their bones,
Someone who can be moved by simple beats,
Yet appreciates the genius of a lyrical composition.

Day 594 - One Day

I'm pretty boy,
In a pretty world,
In love with a pretty girl.
 
Even if I was poor,
I'd feel rich beyond belief,
With the love she gives to me.


Yes, I wish we lived closer,
Where we could touch every day,
Just be normal lovers in every way.


For us, life's just not that easy right now,
We fight off distance with all our trust,
Battle our bad days with just a little fuss.

You could say the deck is stacked against us,
Maybe we've been dealt a raw hand,
But she's still my queen and I forever, her king man.

One day we'll get to take that big leap,
Gently landing in a tight embrace,
The tracks of our tears never to be retraced. 

Day 592 - A Wish

As I fall asleep tonight,

I whisper a wish for us two. 

It's a wish I've wished before, 

Never seeming to come true. 

I just want to be together again,

One place, just me and you. 

Day 588 - Long Distance Ride

There's a train leaving town,
The whistle blowing like the wind,
Begging me to jump on in.

They promise to carry me closer to you,
Down the hills, across the tracks,
Chugging forward, never looking back.

The long journey will give me time to think,
About the completeness I feel with you,
The way your kisses make me feel brand new.

Like the pistons, my heart will be pounding,
I'll begin grow impatient from sitting so long,
Day dreaming myself back to where I belong.

When I hear the brakes start to engage and squeak,
I'll run to the end of the car and swing the door wide
My smiling face will not be able to hide.

I'll scan the crowds looking for a flower dress,
My pretty Mizo girl come to be by my side,
Never again will I be alone on a long-distance ride.

Day 586 - Bi-Polar Love

Someday's I am in heaven,
High on love and sweet kisses,
Other days I'm burning in hell,
Down on loneliness and tears.

Someday's I see the light shining though,
We're together again, unified as one,
Other days I see only darkness,
Separated by miles, faith wearing thin.

I tell myself "if it's right, it's right,"
"Fight though this like it's the end of life,"
Other days it just all seems so damn wrong,
Making love wait, until the "right" time comes.

I curse these long days and wasted nights,
Cozying up to misery's silent sounds,
Other days I bow my head and pray,
Forcing happiness to lift me up and away.

I am of the mind which has no fear,
I'll pack it all up tomorrow and move out there,
Other days thinking about it leaves me so scared,
Out and about, wandering new streets of life.

I see your love as my saving grace,
A whisper of hope every day when I wake,
Other days it a newly sharpened tool,
Puncturing my heart, tearing it in two.

Day 578 - All In

I wanna feel the heat,
Between us in the sheets,
Taste you all night long,
Making our own love song.

Just two bodies lay,
I can't turn away,
No time for sleep,
I'm in so deep.

Lips on lips,
I taste your kiss,
So sweet and true,
I'm so in to you.

Skin on skin, 

With no wedding ring,
Some might call it a sin,
But baby I'm all in

Day 576 - Love

Love isn't a story
It's a beautiful song,
Which is stuck in your head every day.

Day 575 - On Top

We're gonna shine like lightning,
Striking down all which stands in our way.
As the rain come pouring down on us,
We'll just keep on marching in our own parade.
When the wind whips the trees and starts winding up,
We'll grab hold of each other and live life on the top.

Day 574 - My Mind

Ireland is on my mind,
Not for endless green fields,
Long, stone built walls,
Or castle reaching towards the sky.
I'm thinking about a pair of brown eyes,
Long, flowing black hair,
A laugh that cures my ills,
And the joy her smile brings to me,

Day 566 - No Fairytale

This ain't no simple fairytale,
We've fought hard to make a love so real.

One kiss didn't just make us fall in love so deep,

One kiss didn't just wake you from a sleep.

You didn't just dance around and lose a shoe,
I didn't just go out looking for you. 

I don't have castle floating in the sand,
I'm just a good, strong-loving man.

I didn't come to you riding a large white steed,
But I promise I'll give you all the love you need.

There was no trickery and no special spells,
Not even a penny thrown in a wishing well.

I was just me and you were just you,
It just felt right and we both just knew. 

Day 565 - Chained

   
I feel chained to this place,
Shackled and kept from you.
I stand tall and proud, but alone,
Praying one day I can flee.

Like swords and knifes,
Distance, pierces my heart,
Theoretically of course,
But I hurt the same. 


I am thankful for the freedoms here,
In the home of the brave,
But I am oppressed,
By a heart that chose to love.

One day, I know not when,
These walls will fall like Berlin,
And we will fortify our happiness,
By building on a foundation of dreams.

Day 562 - Without

I'm a guitar without strings, 

A butterfly without wings. 

I'm a train without a track, 

The cheese without the mac.
I'm a bullet without a gun, 

The earth without the sun.

I'm a hammer without a nail,
A boat without a sail.
I'm a desert without any sand,
No bones, just a shell of a man.
I'm just a ball without my chain,

An unbroken heart that constantly pains.

Day 555 - Away

I want to go somewhere,
Just you and I,
A place where no one knows our names.
Where we can roam free,
No responsibility,
Except to enjoy each other's presence,
And watch the world unfold around us.

Day 554 - When I See You Again

A smile will grow on my face,
Uncontrollably wide and bright,
Arms will reach out for you,
Pulling you in so tight,
There may be tears filled with joy,
With people watching, but that's alright.
I'll kiss your lips like I always do,
Short and sweet, with just a little bite,
We'll let laughter lead us on our way,
Passion renewed as we turn out the light.

Day 552 - I Choose You

I choose you. Always.
I choose you because you understand me,
You make me happy, in ways I never imagined anyone could.
I'm so in love with all that you are and all that you make me,
I couldn't ask for anything more.
I cherish the gifts you bring to my life,
Laughter, sensuality, companionship, beauty and unconditional love.
I adore your thoughtfulness, playfulness and strong will.
I want to explore life with you, open our minds to new things,
Bringing us closer and closer together emotionally and physically,
But leaving room for us to grow as individuals.
I am committed to celebrating wins with you,
While working together to untangle our worst.
Like a precious flower, I will water you everyday,
Raining down kisses and hugs and only kind words,
Ensuring this love will never wither and die.
We will walk the road of love side by side, hand in hand,
Smoothing out the rocky bumps, one moment at a time.
I choose you. Forever. 

Day 550 - Love, Technologically

Without technology, this could go all wrong.
It's how we've built something so loving and strong,

There is Whatsapp texting a live feed all day,
Qik videos to share fun times while we're away.
Where would we be without sharing links on Facebook?
Pictures of life and everything we've ever cooked.
You enjoy sending me surveys of love and videos of Ellen's funny faces,
I send you motivational stories and dreams of Earthporn places.
Of course Spotify allows us to share in our musical tastes,
As we show each other daily, the growing size of our waists.
Instagram is the place where we can try to be artsy,
Seeking out "likes" for #Irish green and #nature in Tennessee.
Then there were the days when we played Trivia Crack,
But I think I got bored beating you with my "round one attacks."
Weekends and nights we stare at our pretty selves on Skype,
Except when playing Candy Crush, then it's just swipe, swipe, swipe.
And then we have Blogger, a site full of words and praises for thee,
Where I can express my love 100 times daily, if I ever so please.

Day 549 - Feeling Loved

Even without your daily touch,
I feel your love everyday.
A kind "How was your sleep?"

A "I thought of you today."
A "I dreamed of you last night."
A "I miss you so much."
A "I wish you can be here to hold me."

A smiling "Hey babe!" everyday. 

Day 546 - Three Years

I could tell you weren't an angel, from the angle, I was watching from.
You cursed so loud, drinking big gulps down, of coke and whiskey.
It's wasn't a treat, being in my seat, just watching cigarettes burn down.
You called me out, I wanted to shout, "Go fuck yourself."
I held it in, because there's something about sin that's so damn sexy.

I was a newly free man, with no real plans, until we walked outside that night.
It was time to take a chance, learn to dance, between a new girl's feet.
I kissed your lips, it was like taking a sip, of the sweetest tasting wine.
Your body so warm and tight, it just felt right, so I tangled it all up in mine.

Now here we are, still miles apart, from where we want to be.
Love and trust, are more powerful than lust, when it comes to you and me.
I pray for the day, I can see your face, every time I wake from a sleep.
I'm not sure from where you fell, but you're my angel now and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Day 543 - Rare

You're a rare breed,
A specimen few will find,
Running wild and free.

Day 542 - It's Our Reality

It's not a telephone ring,
But it sounds like singing,
The way Skype pings.

I know what's waiting for me,
Just click on the green,
A pretty face there to see.

I send her kisses from my lips,
On her bed she always sits,
Entertaining me with her wit.

We share thoughts of our days,
Who did what to start the melee,
Listening mostly to every word we say,

Sometimes we sit in silent time,
Acting as if we are mimes,
Playing games, seems like such a crime.

We have only hours to talk,
No hand in hand walks,
At the mercy of the clock.

I know I'll see you in flesh soon,
Until then, we'll continue to swoon,
Making our love shine bright as the moon. 

Day 541 - One Day

The clock ticks,
All we can do is wait.
Patience fills our bodies,
But does little to fill the void.
I reach for you every night,
Hands fill with emptiness.
We lack the human touch,
Emotional eruptions and sparks.
I miss the little moments,
Sharing in each other's joy.
I promise one day we will have it all,
Kisses in the morning, I love you at night.  

Day 540 - It's Simple

You usher happiness in to my life every day,
Placing smiles on my face,
Filling my soul with laughter
And beating my heart with love.

Day 535 - Defining Long Distance Love

I am not sure who wrote this, but it echoes so true about our long distance love.

Long distance relationship aren’t always ideal. In fact, they’re really tough. You spend countless of hours just talking through a phone or through a screen. You can’t see the person when you want to, or when you most need them. You can’t hug, you can’t hold hands, you can’t kiss. You lose the intimacy in a physical sense, but then, your relationship becomes based on each other and nothing else.

You learn to communicate,because a long-distance relationship without communication it's nothing.

You learn to trust, because you can’t always see or know everything the person is doing.

You learn to sacrifice, because someone’s always going to lose a bit of sleep from the time difference.

And lastly, you learn to appreciate.

So often, we take for granted the people and relationships in our lives because we think they’ll always be there, but when you only have a limited amount of time with a person, you learn to appreciate and cherish every single moment you have with them.

When you finally see that person after weeks or months of seeing them only through a computer screen, it is one of the greatest feelings in the world. When you’ve waited for something so long and you finally have it, you cherish it. 

The key to a long-distance relationship is faith. If both of you are not willing to give up, if both of you are willing to stand up and still try after every time one of you or both of you fall.

“Distance isn’t for the fearful, it’s for the bold." It’s for those who are willing to spend a lot of time alone in exchange for the little time with the one they love. It’s for knowing a good thing when they see it, even if they don’t see it nearly enough.

Day 530 - Bless

Bless you,
Bless me,
Bless us,
Bless those we love,
Throughout our life.

Day 521 - I Wish

I wish you were with me forevermore. No distance. No emptiness. No loneliness. No missing. Just us two soaring in to skies of blue.

Day 520 - Love Songs

Love songs make me think of you,
I want us to be in their shoes,
Living in a little white house,
On the outskirts of a small town,
Spending nights enjoying the stars,
Weekends working out in the yard,
Family dinners sharing our day,
Words of love in everything we say,
Yes, tears we will surely share,
Pain we will have to bear,
But with love in our hearts and soul,
We'll be enjoying each other until we're old.

Day 519 - Missed You

I didn't see your pretty face tonight,
I got a lot done, but it doesn't feel right.
I need a daily does of you in my life,
Like a normal husband and wife.
I would really enjoy a little talk,
My live feed straight from B block.

Day 518 - Saturday

I miss Saturdays with you,
My short shorts and t-shirt view.
Breakfast eating side by side,
The morning sun along for the ride.
Sharing funny videos online,
Laughing together in time.
Long naps cuddled tight,
Never letting you out of my sight.
Taking a drive, going for a hike,
Doing only the things we like.
You give my life a shot of fun,
Pretty as the setting sun.
You make my day last forever,
I wish i could be away from you never.

Day 517 - Parting Seas

Someone to come home to,
Is that too much to ask?
Am I being punished for my past?
Why can't I part the sea?
I'd run so fast to the other side,
Stand on the shore and wave goodbye,
Hurry off to be with the girl I love.

Day 516 - Fly

Like a butterfly slowly escaping his cocoon,
I'm finding my wings, ready to fly.

Day 514 - Be Still

Be still my love,
Let me gaze in your eyes,
Hear your thoughts,
Feel the love in your heart.

Day 512 - Extraordinary Highs

You move me to extraordinary highs.
I've been walking among the clouds since we met,
Flying to the the moon at the sight of your smiling face,
Soaring through the sky faster than an asteroid,
Held mesmerized by the stars hidden deep in your brown eyes.
It's a love fueled by fiery explosions of passions and lust,
Burning hotter than the face of the sun.

Day 511 - Heart Crimes

This distance we keep between our hearts,
Should be considered a heinous crime,
Punishable by long, slow kisses,
Hours of staring in each others eyes,
Days spent laying in bed holding on tight,
Forced hand holding down city streets,
Endless flirting and sharing of laughs,
Saying I love you at every chance we get,
And NEVER having to miss you ever again.

Day 508 - Not Alone

In my mind,
My bed is not empty,
You are next to me,
Peacefully dreaming,
Loving me like crazy.

Day 506 - Apologies

Click, silence, "hello?"
No dial tone,
The sound of alone.

I should have stopped to think,
About who's missing me,
The girl I love to see.

Please accept my apologies,
Know my love for you is deep,
Even as we both fall asleep.

Day 505 - Never For Granted

I never want us to take this love for granted,
To settle down and forget all we fought through,
All we did, to be together in each other's arms.

Just the thought leaves me shaking like a leaf,
I know my body would fall apart, piece by piece,
Leaving behind the sluggish beat of a broken heart.

We must say "I love you" every passing day,
Kiss passionately at undefined moments in time,
And be excited at just the whisper of our voices.

Place your hand in mine, hold it so tight,
Let's make a promise to always put each first,
Holding each other accountable in love.

Day 504 - Voices

These voices inside my head,
They're driving me insane,
Every thought offers a different view,
Every minute it's something new,
I want freedom to just be,
Walk away from all the crazy,
Fill my mind with only thoughts of you,
Noise washed away, replaced by ocean's blue,
Peaceful settings keeping me filled with ease,
Flowing through life just like a the breeze,
No worries that life always brings,
Free like a bird spreading his wings.

Day 503 - Passion

Can you hear me calling your name?
Come closer, let me whisper in you ear,
I'll make those little bumps grow on your skin,
Watch you blush ever so slightly red.

We'll remove the space between us two,
Just let our body's heat create a love steam,
I'll place sensual kisses all over your skin,
Closed eyes will let you feel everything.

Day 501 - Our Day

The stage is set for our day,
There's bright lights shining,
Flowers blowing in the breeze,
Polished silver laid out in a row,
Table clothes flowing to the ground,
Kid are swinging in the trees,
The air is clean, filled with dreams,
People smile, excited about the day,
Later there'll be food and dancing,
Everyone having a good time and laughing,
But right now, it's about us, just me and you,
My hearts beats with a nervous happiness,
As I watch my pretty girl in a white dress,
Glorious words we then exchange.
Beautifully, strong promises made,
A kiss seals love in our hearts,
Never, ever again will we be apart.

Day 500 - Lead To You

A virgin path stretched over the green grass,
Paved streets disappearing in to the great unknown,
Dirt tracks twisting around the outback,
Rocky beach cliffs under a sun so high,
Mountain trails carving through the trees,
A river wildly rushing waters of white,
Train tracks chugging up a lonesome hill,
Crooked pine lined routes where nobody goes,
Taking the long way home just to be alone,
No matter where I go,
No matter how long I stay,
Always know, all my roads lead to you.

Day 496 - Perfect Inside

This heart,
Beating deep in my chest,
It's perfect,
Because you are inside

Day 495 - Tomorrows

I want to marry you today, so all my tomorrows end with you.

Day 492 - Definition of Love

Our love story may never be one of legend,
People may never recognize our faces,
Our names will remain foreign to most,
But this love is a glorious blessing,
A true testament to its definition,
"An intense feeling of deep affection."

Day 491 - Always There

Until we meet again my love,
Look for me in signs from above,
The love song on the radio,
A drop of rain landing squarely on your nose,
Birds singing high in the trees,
Morning dew layered on the green grass
Leaves blowing in the wind,
The smell of farts someone secretly let go,
Puppy dogs chasing balls in the park,
The warmth you feel in the night,
Stars shining brightly in the darkened sky,
In every step you take, forward or back,
I am and will always be there with you.

Day 490 - If

If I live to be one hundred and two,
I hope everyday til then is spent with you.
I want to wake to see your smiling face,
Fill my nights with your warm embrace.
I want to hear stories from when I'm not there,
Find the floor covered in your long, dark hair.
I look forward to being a part of your career success,
Watching you give our children advice for the best.
I need your silly faces to brighten my dark days,
To bring me back down to Earth when my mind strays.
I want to fly with you to far off places,
Run through wild flowers, explore ancient spaces.
We'll find new love songs to sing every year,
Still holding hands as our bodies start to wear.
There will be support and trust through life's ups and downs,
Coupled with prayers and love for you as long as I'm around.

Day 489 - Wind

Listen to the wind,
Close your eyes,
Feel it on your skin,
Let your hair flow free,
Stretch out your arms,
Let it carry you to me.

Day 484 - She Is

My girl is silly-sting shooting out of the can,
Fireworks flying high through the air.
She's a wild flower blowing in the wind,
And like chocolate, she'll melt right in your hand.
She could be a book with all the stories she tells,
Or a warm blanket with all the heat she expels.
My girl is sunlight on a dark and stormy day,
The brightest star, when light begins to fade.
She can be a tornado leaving behind such a mess,
Or a hurricane if something doesn't go quite her way.
She can be a powerful, buttoned up, business woman,
But I like the shorts and t-shirt she becomes at night.
I see her everyday, a tattoo on my heart and mind,
She's love, everything I could ever need.

Day 483 - Saved

She's off to explore Budapest on her own,
As sit here drinking coffee all alone.
I can't help but smile and picture her in my mind,
Getting lost on the streets, trying to understand the signs.
Deep down I hope she knows I am so very proud,
Of my girl, who's got what it takes to win over any crowd.
She's strong when she speaks, people listen to her,
Making most of them friends, never being a bore.
She's really my kind, of a one of a kind,
The one I will call my babe, for the rest of time.
Telling her "I love you," was the best decision I ever made,
It opened the door to my heart, allowing me to be saved.

Day 482 - Love

What governs the soul?
What makes you feel whole?
What can make you so afraid?
What can make you smile for days?
What comes in no shape or size?
What can end in goodbye?
What make you want to jump in joy?
What makes a man from a boy?
What is the one thing we all strive for?
What is the one thing we'd all die for?
What comes when you least expect?
What can begin from simple respect?
What causes hearts to beat fast?
What causes hearts to break and smash?
What guides us when times are rough?
What protects you when life gets tough?
What is more precious than jewels or gold?
What last forever as we get old?
What is this gift from above?
It could only be one thing, love.

Day 478 - Enough

This love is more than enough,
To fulfill all one could desire,
To live a life of happiness.

Perhaps it is more than I deserve,
I'm just a simple, common man,
What could I have done to earn this?

The Divine saw something special in us,
Put us together to define trust,
And we a giving it all we have.

Day 477 - One Way

You bend my emotions,
In an upward fashion,
Creating a happy flow,
From where there was none.

The twists and turns,
From which I came,
Are now straight lines,
Leading me just one way.

This path I follow,
It's peaceful and calm,
Yet, full of an energy,
Which patiently waits.

When the day comes,
And we're in one place,
I'll be a permanent scar,
Of love you can't escape.

Day 476 - Here and There

I've seen the lights of Las Vegas,
Walked the Grand Canyon rim,
Hiked in the Black Hills,
Sought out celebrities in L.A.,
Climbed the Statue of Liberty,
Rode to the top of the Eifel Tower,
Took a night cruise on the River Seine,
Said a prayer at Westminster Abbey,
Snowshoed the mountains of Washington,
Rafted rivers in Maine, Texas and Tennessee,
Skydived through blue skies in Nashville,
Enjoyed wine and pasta throughout Italy,
Skied the powder filled Rocky Mountains,
Stood beneath the powerful waters of Niagara,
Flew across the world to explore Taiwan,
Watched the sun set over the temples of Angkor Wat,
Walked the streets of Kuala Lumpur,
Road tripped across the Emerald Isle,
But one thing I now know is true,
My life is most joyful with you.

Day 475 - Late Night Love

Tonight I woke at 2 A.M.
Not knowing where I am,
Something was blinking in the dark,
Something pulling hard upon my heart,
I looked around the lonely room,
A screen of white shining like the moon,
There I found an emotion filled girl,
One out trying to save the world,
I reminded her of our bonded love,
And maybe me waking was guidance from above,
I asked her to focus on positive thoughts in her mind,
To help to embed happiness for a lifetime.

Day 472 - Missing Everything

Two towels together on the rack,
Two bodies tangled in the sack.

Long, dark hairs all over the floor,

Cigarette butts outside the front door.

Minty EOS lined lips, 

Random hair ties and potato chips.

Money falling out of all my pockets, 

Chargers sticking out of all sockets. 

Dirty floors running throughout, 

Clothes strewn all about.
Losing cornhole so gracefully,
Riding bikes like kids so joyfully.
Jumping photos on sea and sand,
Always reaching for your hand.

The smell of marsala in the air,

Undergarments with no need to wear.
Tiny shirts which do not belong to a child,
Saving-water showers which sometimes get wild.
Hiking through woods and river beds,
Talking happily about the day we will wed.
A couch which forced us a tight hold,  

Sweaty nights from someone who's cold.

Daily smiles on my morning rise, 

Love sparkling in each other's eyes.
Smoked chicken, sushi and cokes,
Burning fires we never have to stoke.
Failing to buy Zaxby vanilla and rings, 

It seems I am missing everything.

Day 471 - Greener

Oh, Ireland,
The grass is greener on the other side,
And we're both ready for the ride.

Day 470 - Across the Ocean

Today's a sad day,
My baby is flying away.
There goes the plane,
Here comes a heart full of pain.
I know where she is going,
Yet, sadness is flowing.
She's tripping back across the ocean,
Our next meeting not yet in motion.
It's back to patiently waiting,
Distance and time again we're hating.

Day 463 - Surprise

A surprise arrived,
On April eighteen,
Shock ensued,
I couldn't move,
I stared in awe,
My girl I saw,
How did she?
How could this be?

Two months she had planned,
To be with her man,
On his 33rd birthday,
And not a word did she say.
Sneaky? I guess,
But for me it was the best.

Now she is next to me here,
Better than her being there,
I'm such a happy man,
Touching her whenever I can,
This is how life is meant to be,
Love without distance between.

Day 451 - Found You

In a world with so many broken hearts,
Where love doesn't last forever,
And is sometimes never felt at all,
I am thankful to have found you.

Day 450 - Story of Us

It happened out of the blue,
You looked at me, I looked at you.
It was love at first sight, psych!
It was more like, who is this girl?
She's kind of pretty.
I should talk to her,
But I think she's dating that guy.
Boy, she can really throw back Jack,
And she called me out for drinking beer,
I think she might be a bitch.
Turns out she's not,
She thinks my jokes are funny,
She listen to the same music,
She's a bit of a flirt with me,
I think I will play hard to get,
Pretend I'm not interested,
Might as well try something new.
Well, that didn't work,
I just tasted her cigarette lips,
Wondering if she may still be with that guy.
But I will go ahead and walk her home.
Boom! There goes the door in my face.
Well, only one more night anyway, who cares?
I do! I think I'll try even harder tonight.
It works! We keep sneaking away,
Kissing here and kissing there,
Listening to music and sharing stories of life,
As the night goes on, we end up alone,
Twisting and turning between the sheets.
I'm still not sure what it means,
I leave the next day in an afterglow.
I can't get her out of my mind,
I want to see her again, and maybe more.
For months we stay in touch,
Talking, flirting, getting to know us in depth.
It's like she is the female me, weird, I know.
I enjoy every bit of conversation,
I grow to really "like" her.
One night the alcohol brings out the truth,
I let her know I have fallen in love with her.
Now here we are, almost three years passed,
Just the distance of oceans keeping us apart,
Hearts on fire and full of trust,
Still so madly in love,
Waiting on the day we can be together again.
That's the truth.

Day 449 - Searching

I've traveled here,
And traveled there,
Never finding a home.
I never knew the reason,
Why I was always on the move,
Then it crossed my mind.
I was searching for something,
Not an object or place,
An energy that frees the soul.
For some it's a spiritual awakening,
Finding the meaning of life,
For me, it was a heart beating in time with mine.

Day 448 - We Fight

When you find the one,
No matter how far they are,
A fight will ensue,
With nothing getting in your way.
Yes, there'll be pain,
And lonely heartaches,
As they visit you in dreams,
As you think of them every waking minute.
Yes, it will be a hard road,
Long and windy,
All up hill and full of potholes,
But you will keep moving forward,
Inch by inch,
Until the end is in sight.
Crossing the finish line will be so sweet,
A joyous occasion to celebrate,
Happiness the ultimate prize.

Day 447 - Do You Hear That?

Do you hear that?
That's my heart beat,
Happily racing as I think of you.

Day 444 - Thank You

Thank you for loving me with all your heart and soul,
For seeing me for me and making me entirely happy.
I'm by no means perfect, but you make me a better man.

Day 442 - Classic

You're a fine wine,
A Good book,
Perfect in every way,
Something I can't put down.

Day 441 - Mind Lost

Windows closed,
Shades pulled,
Darkness explodes.

Candle lit,
Here I sit,
Quietly alone.

Painted walls,
Down dark halls,
Echo loneliness.

Reckless thoughts,
Mind lost,
What to do?

Rainy night,
Lightning strikes,
I see you.

Pretty face,
Infectious laugh,
Tears fall.

Missing you,
Feeling weak,
Try to sleep.

In dreams,
You're there,
Comfort I need.

Day 440 - Two

If one were two,
I'd wish for you,
To break the silence in this room.

Day 438 - Forever Long

Where do I belong?
In your arms,
Singing songs,
Building love so strong,
It last forever long.

Day 437 - Love

Love was aways a sweet dream,
Now it's reality for me and you.

Day 436 - Eyes

Tiny,
Sultry,

Devious at times. 

Pretty, 

Sexy,

Angry at times.

Simple,

Brown, 

Highlighted at times.

Happy,

Celebratory,

Determined at times.

Caring, 

Sensitive, 

Loving always. 

Day 435 - Whole

Oh baby,
Come and take me away,
Wrap me in your arms,
Caress me with your gentle touch,
Heal me with your soft kisses,
I'm in need of a your love,
Your strength and happiness,
Please make me whole again.

Day 434 - Power of Love

Straight lines are easy,
We prefer mountains,
Valleys and oceans,
Conquering them with ease,
Through the power of love.

Day 431 - Free

Me and you,
We got love,
We're free,
To be,
All we can.

Day 428 - In For the Ride

I hope I don't have to miss you forever,
But if that's what it takes,
I'm in for the ride.

Day 427 - I Need You

I burnt my tongue,
I spilled my coffee cup,
I need you,
I need you.

I found myself daydreaming,
I drove in the wrong direction,
I need you,
I need you.

I started singing out loud,
I realized everyone was staring,
I need you,
I need you.

I passed gas in the hallway,
I only heard myself laugh,
I need you,
I need you.

I stare in the mirror,
I tell me I look good,
I need you,
I need you.

I talk to myself,
I just don't seem to listen,
I need you,
I need you.

I say be happy Curtis,
I can't seem to smile,
I need you,
I need you.

Day 426 - Beat

I feel my heart beating,
I know it's you,
Your love saying hello.

It wishes you were here,
To stare in my eyes,
Expressing love without words.
He would enjoy an embrace,
Ever close to your heart,
Syncing in a magical rhythm.
I know he couldn't contain,
Pulses pumping through my veins,
Exploding with each little touch.

Day 425 - The One

Like a congregation singing 'Hallelujah,'
I've finally found the one.

Day 423 - Happy St. Patrick's Day

I am your Patrick,
A saintly Saint of Saints,
Out to change your world.


You are my pot of gold,
A rainbow pointing the way,
From my heart to yours.


I am your leprechaun,
A wildly exciting creature,
Giving you a reason to smile.
 
You are my shamrock,
A good luck charm,
Providing me the protection I need.


We are deeply green,
The color of rebirth and renewal,
Leaving other's envious of our love.

Day 421 - Endless

Even if I cut my love for you in half,
It couldn't be contained by the universe.

There is a power created when our hearts combine,
It's what you see, when a star shoots across the sky.

We fuel a passion together deep in the night,
Which could launch an astronaut in to flight.

We've grown from a single particle of loneliness,
To a galaxy dotted in faith, hope and happiness.

I'll love you to the moon and back for all our days,
Not a distance on the is Earth, will get in our way.

Day 420 - My Kind of Girl

My kind of girl is you.
You know what you want,
And get what you want,
Shoes, pizza and this man.
You pretend you're not a nerd,
The cool girl who doesn't know it all,
But you excite over journals,
And one day meeting the authors.
You tell me you'll never drink again,
The hangovers are just too much,
Then you proceed to Tesco without ID,
And get upset when they turn you away.
You can't stand having roommates,
They are loud and never clean up their mess,
But if I move there, it will all be fine,
Except we'll be broke all the time.
I'll love you throughout this long life,
Nothing you do could raise any doubts,
You are my soul, a best friend for life,
A bright future ahead as husband and wife.

Day 419 - Hard Love

You love me hard,
With a gentle touch.

Day 416 - Never Letting Go

I feel like my dreams are chasing me,
Through treacherous seas of blue,
Scorching deserts without any food,
Thick jungles where not even prayers get through.
They're pushing me closer towards a cliff face,
Leaving me grasping tight to the jagged edge,
Fear and faith both take my breath away,
But little do my dreams know, I'm never letting go.

Day 415 - Lover

Lover,
I love you,
All of you,
More than love,
Forever.

Day 414 - Perfect Day

A perfect day,
Is me and you,
Just us two,
Being us,
With no fuss,
That's all we need,
Let's plant that seed,
A lifetime to grow.


   

Day 412 - Open Eyes

I was quiet and shy,
A soft spoken guy,
With freedom on my mind,

You were outgoing and loud,
Stuck out in the crowd,
With a beauty that wowed.

We opened each other's eyes,
Melting our hearts inside,
With love as our life guide.

Day 410 - Instagram

It's a snow day here in Nashville, no work! Saw this while scrolling Instagram and thought it was perfect for us. No idea who wrote it, but I thank them.

Your are near,
Even if I don't see you,
You are with me,
Even if you are far away
You are in my heart,
In my thoughts,
In my life,
Always.

Day 408 - Moments

Life only gives you so many moments,
Ones that don't come around twice,
Ones you must grasp immeditaely,
Not letting them pass you by.

There were times when I was too young,
To understand what was taking place,
To recognize a special few seconds,
As I watched them blow away with the wind.

With age come a focus and clarity,
A knowing of what you need in life,
A strong belief pulling you towards light,
Complete growth within your mind and soul.

I'm so thankful I didn't miss this chance,
To dedicate myself to you in life,
To provide and receive so much love,
That no other moment in life could compare.

Day 406 - Lonely

This distance makes me lonely,
My heart missing you with every beat,
But I'll suffer through this pain,
Because I know I'd be lonelier,
If I were to have never met you.

Day 405 - Do Something

Look under a stone,
Swipe right,
Talk to a stranger,
Find the Lord,
Help the downtrodden,
Give a smile,
Share a laugh,
Travel the world,
Join a team,
Play hard to get,
Just don't sit still,
Love is out there,
Waiting to be found.

Day 400 - Searching

All I wanted was acceptance,
I yearned for growth,
Something to lift my head,
To focus my mind,
Completely freeing me inside.
I really needed a change,
I was missing that warm feeling,
Of my heart racing uncontrollably,
Building upon a similar energy,
Making my world feel at ease.
Looking back now it is clear,
I was searching too close to home,
'Cause all I needed was you.

Day 399 - Pictures

I've got a million pictures of you, 

Giving me a most beautiful view.

They're hanging in so many places, 

With you making so many faces.

Each one shows a different side, 

Of that pretty face you never hide.

Your beauty never ceases to amaze me, 

You're the prettiest girl I have ever seen. 

I love the pictures trapped in my mind, 

A perfect memory is never too hard to find. 

I'm not sure what you see in this man, 

Surely it's more than what a picture can.

Day 395 - 7 Simple Things Happy Couples Never Stop Doing

I saw this article online and thought it would be a good share. Hope we never stop doing any of these!

Relationship: 7 Simple Things Happy Couples Never Stop Doing

If you truly want the best relationship possible, don’t leave the fate of your “happily in love” connection to luck or chance. Trust me, couples who thrive for the long-term actively choose behaviors that keep them in a good place with each other.

As a marriage therapist who has been happily married and counseling for 40 years, here are the top seven habits I see ridiculously happy couples practice faithfully:

1. Spend time together.

It is staggering how many couples come to my office having not spent a single meaningful moment together since their last session. I know, I know — kids and jobs quickly derail your chances of alone time. But come on!

You can’t connect if you never spend time together. It’s the most obvious and basic step of keeping love alive.

So get with it, pull out your calendars, set a date to spend some time together and then honor it. Create a space (sans kids) where you can breathe together — that is when meaningful connection and conversations occur.

2. Know your partner’s love language.

This one is so important. Just because your mom sang your praises for cleaning up your room doesn’t mean your partner is as impressed by the act. We each value different loving behaviors and gestures in our relationship. Often couples have completely different love languages.

If you don’t know what you’re partner’s is, ask. Your honey has probably tried to share theirs, but you may have missed it. So, find out today.

Just ask, “What things have I done that make you feel the most loved?” Perhaps it will be the time you surprised her by cooking dinner. Perhaps his will be just touching him affectionately. Or that time you threw him that surprise birthday party.

Unsure of what the different love languages are? Make a date to flip through The Five Languages of Love by Gary Chapman together. Discovering your partner’s love language makes showing appreciation and affection truly fun again.

3. Commit to 20-second hugs twice a day.

I’m not talking about a polite, A-shaped hug. I mean a hip-to-hip, really holding each other bear hug. Why must it last 20 seconds? Because that’s how long it takes for your oxytocin to kick in (otherwise known as “the cuddle hormone”) which gives you that delightful feeling that all is right with the world (and your relationship).

I regularly “prescribe” 20-second hugs to my patients because the gesture is powerful medicine. So, every morning before you leave for work and then again when you get home, spend 20 full seconds in an embrace. I guarantee you, one or both of you will quickly slip into your happy place. But remember, because it works so well and feels so good, if you skip this ritual too often, your partner will soon feel uncared for. So commit to it and enjoy it!

4. Learn to listen (without interrupting).

Nothing says “I love you” more than really listening when your partner speaks. About their thoughts. About their feelings. Even about that big meeting with their boss and their stressful, busy day.

Authentic listening is a skill most people struggle with, however. It means shutting off your screens, dialing down your own thoughts, making eye contact, nodding your head in an appreciative way… you know, actually caring and being present. Supportive grunts and high-fives are also appropriate. Bonus points for touching your partner’s arm at appropriate moments to show you’re genuinely paying attention.

Giving your partner the floor without needing to put in your own two cents (or stealing the spotlight) shows that their thoughts and feelings are as important to you as your own. Just make sure to mirror back what your partner says (without editorial comments, of course). Don’t tell them what to do, simply reflect what you heard them say and your understanding of how it impacted them.

5. Keep each other in the loop.

How can you know when to celebrate or commiserate with your partner if they don’t keep you informed about what’s going on in their life? If your partner believes their entire work future depends on keeping a current client happy, you can suggest dinner out to toast occasions when those happy client moments occur.

Or when your partner shares that they’re working through tension in a valued friendship, you can smile and show support when they report that speed bump was successfully smoothed over.

We all want and need to come home to someone who carries us in their mind as we face the challenges and joys of our day. Knowing that your partner cares about your life outside of just your relationship together makes feel protected, cheered for, and like our place on Earth matters.

6. Actually plan your future together (as in, on an actual calendar!)

Most of the stuff that matters in relationships won’t happen unless it’s on the calendar. This includes sex, getting together with friends, and making time to see each other (see habit #1!). Making time every month to set goals together will increase your sense that you’re on the same journey together, planning a meaningful future that you both prioritize and value.

Remember, you’re on a team, so pull together, whether it’s around the children, your individual career goals, your sex life, or just figuring out what you want to do this weekend.

7. Reassure each other.

Everyone needs reassurance from time to time. Don’t wait until one of you needs it to give it. Frequently affirming how much you care keeps the other person relaxed and feeling safe in your relationship. Sometimes an out-of-nowhere, heartfelt “I love you” instantly makes up for all of those moments when you didn’t understand each other.

And nothing keeps us feeling secure in our relationships like hearing all of the ways our partner appreciates us. It’s hard to slip into insecurity about their love when they’ve just mentioned two reasons why they’re so glad you’re in their life.

Human beings survive across the ages because our brains evolved with a negativity bias — remaining ever alert to what’s possibly wrong. Our brains feed us flashes of every potential danger which often means we’re imagining some of them. When you see your partner panic and “make up” a problem, rather than get mad or defensive, reach out to them calmly. They just need some reassurance to quiet that primal part of their brain down again.

 Challenge yourself to let go of criticism, and invite your partner to rest in the happiness of being loved for exactly that.

Original article here: http://read.plash.in/2015/02/17/7-simple-things-happy-couples-never-stop-2/ 

Day 394 - Need To Do

We ain't a static filled radio,
Or a watered down whiskey and coke,
We don't think the grass is greener,
Or wonder what might have been.
We take this life day by day,
Knowing what we have is real,
And that we have everything to lose.
We keep our hearts in a happy place,
Sadness does not fit in our life,
We are faith keepers,
The true believers,
Doing exactly what we need to do.

Day 393 - Perfectly Lucky

We found it,
That which others seek,
And most will never find.
We're the lucky ones,
Right place, right time,
Not even looking to find.
Maybe it fell from the stars,
Flew from Cupid's arms,
Or a Divine intervention plan.
We work with what we're given,
And while this distance is not perfect,
It challenges us to be.

Day 392 - Wandering

The sun beats down,
Not hot enough to sweat,
Cold enough to see my breath.
I walk with my collar up,
Head down, to avoid the wind,
A concrete shadow follows behind.
These streets are never at peace,
Like my thoughts, they never sleep,
Restless and weary I continue my beat.
I'm thinking now of the girl I love,
Her beauty and charm excite me,
A smile appears on my face.
My upturned lips are just a disguise,
Hiding a sadness filed deep inside,
Missing constantly, just creates a void.

Like my feet, my mind wanders,
Taking me back in time,
To places where you were within reach.
The humid streets of Taiwan,
Where dumplings and tofu reign supreme,
And my eyes caught the first glimpse of true love.
To the sand and blue waters of Boracay,
Where we first began exploring our new love,
Like the famous conquistadors of Spain.
Then I'm back in typhoon soaked Taiwan,
Hiking to waterfalls, a strategic plan in mind,
Sealing our love with one stroke of the hand.
One year later, you arrive to the stars and stripes,
Nashville, DC, Boston and NYC,
I got to show you off to friends and family.
Then there we are, in front of an orange sunrise,
Under a tree which seems to touch the sky,
Green Irish fields echo our laughter and love.

As I reach my destination,
I shake off the bitter cold,
Taking a seat like I do every night.
I power up the old laptop,
Wait for what seems like an eternity,
Listening for what's become a familiar sound.
My day is blossoming in to happiness,
The Skype Gods have connected us again,
Giving access to a love which may otherwise be lost.

Day 391 - A Valentines Day Special

I chose my place beside you,
A place where I feel loved,
And so completely fulfilled.
You make my life so special,
With your warm heart,
And kind and gracious soul.
You are the pretty girl,
The one everyone wants to be,
And only I get to call you mine.
I hope you enjoy receiving love,
Hugs, kisses, and other stuff,
'Cause they won't ever stop.
My mind is saturated with you,
Memories and thoughts run wild,
All pointing towards you.
If I was given the chance,
To go back and choose again,
Know it would be you every time.

Love you babe!

Day 387 - Missing It All

Perfume wisping,
Lipstick kissing,
Cold feet kicking,
Sweat wicking,
Laughs ringing,
Lungs singing,
Hearts pumping,
Bodies humping,
City strolling,
Hands holding,
Love growing,
Life unfolding.

Day 386 - Electric Square

Competition,
With an electric square,
Entertainment,
In the palm of your hand.

We've become just a voice,

In and out of our ears.
Are we losing control,

To a device with no soul?
Poking and swiping,
Checking and typing,
We barely look away,
With few words to say.

Break it! In to a million pieces,

Untether the leashes,

Send up the rescue flare,

Grasp the love in the air,
It will give us so much more, 

Than anything in the app store. 

Day 382 - You

You have the mind of a genius,
Courage of a lion's roar.
The beauty of a temptress,
A heart pumping love through your pores.

Day 381 - Unbreak Me

We're magic inside,
When there is no divide.
With distance between,
It just ruins the scene.
There's cries in the night,
Waking, without you in sight,
I get lost in the shadowy dark,
Lonliness just won't disembark.

Please wake my desire,
Throw me back on the fire.
Let my heart melt in your palm,
Relieve distance's pain, queue the calm.
Let us rise up each day,
Say "I love you," without delay.
Lord, I pray for this moment,
Heal this heart which lies broken.

Day 379 - Yours

Unquestionably,
Completely,
Undeniably,
Positively,
Unequivocally,
Without a doubt,
Yours forever.

Day 377 - My Mind

If there is ever any doubt,
About my love for you,
Take a look inside my mind,
See you, on an endless loop.

You're always in my thoughts,
A daily regimen I need,
Like pills to the elderly,
Or fresh water to a seed.

In the night I see you most,
As I lay there in this cold,
I miss the fire in your touch,
A warmth, for my arms to hold.

I see that smile all the time,
Those cute cheeks I want to kiss,
Maybe those luscious lips,
And that's only part of what I miss.

I miss my your constant laugh,
All the silly faces that you make,
Dressing up and going out,
All the selfies that we take.

You're the marsala to my nan,
Or maybe the toast to my jam,
You take my mind to great places,
Make me better then I am.

There could never come a day,
When I lose my sensibility,
Forgetting this amazing love,
My mind just doesn't have that ability.

Day 376 - I Want

I look around at lovers,
Holding tight to each other,
I want what they have.

I see them staring deeply,
Kissing without secrecy,
I want what they have.

I hear them talking all cutesy,
Some of it more then juicy,
I want what they have.

Their laughs are infectious,
Love, seemingly reckless,
I want what they have.

Two together is better than one,
Especially when the day is done.
I want what they have.

Truth is, for me it's not far away,
If only I could get there to stay,
I'd have what they have and more.

Day 373 - All We'll Ever Be

As we age and grow,

This I've come to know,
There'll be increasing gray,

New wrinkles every day.

Sags here and there,

The loss of many hairs,

We'll cough with a wheeze,

And pee a little when we sneeze,

Brittle bones they will break,

Some may even need replaced.

Our breath we will begin to lose,

Requiring a daily mid-day snooze.
We will have trouble trying to pee,
Gas will seep without a squeeze.
We'll pop pills left and right,
Then lose our teeth and most our might.

The day may come when vision disappears,

Or maybe the sound within our ears.

One of us may end up losing our mind,

Forgetting everything, losing track of time. 

All these changes, we will never see,

Because love is all we'll ever be.

Day 372 - Kiss Me

Soft, wet lips,
Kiss me long and slow,
Caress my fleshy folds.
Nibble if you dare,
Let the tongue appear.
Just set your mind at ease,
Give all of you to me.

Day 371 - Floating Love

Sometimes clouds roll by,
Through a blue sky,
Dancing along so free,
Performing for all to see.
The world is their stage,
At times filled with rage,
Rain, a Broadway play,
Snow, a rock star at bay.
Whether fluffy and white,
Or dark as the night,
They add depth to the blue,
Bridging love from me and you.

Day 366 - Show Me

Show me your naked body,

Curves of soft skin.

Bare me your soul,

Cast a spell over me.

Day 363 - Things I Learned in Ireland

Things I learned while visiting Mandy in Ireland:

The People - 

Sweatpants are cool again, for all ages
Cursing is a way of life, "oh, for fucks sake"

People are friendly and have a good sense of humor
Watching people mingle in streets after bars close is more fun than being in the bars

"Sorry" is used excessively and in place of "excuse me"
There is something scary about being surrounded by redheads

Irish music tells amazing and fun stories

Catholic Mass in Ireland is the same as the U.S., long and boring

Driving-

Irish always use a turn signal

They know how to pass and move over on the highway

Navigating a roundabout is learned quickly when you go through 10 of them in one mile stretch 

Roads are narrow with thick growth on the side, you will scratch your car. Get the rental insurance!

Driving on opposite side is easy, until you turn the wrong way or forget to look the right way for oncoming traffic

Countryside and weather-

There really are green fields everywhere

And sheep! Sheep are everywhere, marked with different color paint

You can buy property with old ruins scattered about

Rain is real and can happen at any time

Castles never get old

Zero percent visibility means you won't see the Cliffs of Moher, keep driving

Fifty mile per hour winds will blow you around

Food and Drink-

Guinness really does taste different 

Eggs are not refrigerated in stores
Grocery cashiers all sit in chairs

Christmas pudding is essentially a fruitcake (aka gross)

Tipping is not required

Pubs can be very tiny and are almost always packed with people

Day 361 - Memories Live On

Almost four weeks have passed since I boarded a plane and again left my amazing girl behind. While this is never an easy part of our relationship, we spent an amazing 10 days (December 19-29) together, traveling around Ireland in our tiny (super expensive) rental car, seeing the sights and enjoying being in each other's arms.

While it seems we only ever have a limited time together, we make the best of it and create memories that will stay with us forever. Stories we can relive and share with our future children. A surprise meeting at the airport, leisurely strolling around People's Park in Waterford, cooking dinners together, catching a fire red sunrise in Carriganore, driving through endless round-abouts, experiencing zero visibility at Cliffs of Moher, not getting killed on our first Airbnb stay in Galway, dingle berries in Dingle, hiking to Eask Tower with 50 MPH winds and rain blowing in our face, exploring our first castle in Killarney, Christmas Day swimming in Tramore and exploring Dunmore East, Christmas dinner with friends (including undelectable Christmas Pudding), dancing at The Reg, putting together your new nightstand, late night pizza, photo shoots while exploring Dublin on foot, dinner and Irish music/dancing at Murray's Pub in Dublin, running after our airport shuttle (and missing it), another goodbye kiss at the airport...it all seems like it happened just yesterday and I'd give anything to be back with you again, enjoying my happy place, in your arms. I love you with all my heart. I promise we will be together soon.