The Little Things

Today I thought a lot about the little things that are some of the best parts of an intimate relationship with someone. It's not just one thing and it's not everything. It's just a lot of little things. They don't usually seem like much to most people but once they're gone, you really miss them. They're also not something to be toyed with in relationships that aren't intimate. They have power and can do great damage as well as great good.

What are these things? Too many to list. Yet, here is a sample.

Things like the hug that presses in until you feel her body pressed against yours from your stomach to your chest. You turn your head slightly to go past hers, sometimes awkwardly. Even then, it's still nice. The hug lingers until you feel her warmth. The heat of her cheek pressed against your own. Her breath against your skin. These things tell you she is there. Really there.

Things like sitting on the couch snuggled up together, your faces inches apart. She speaks and you watch her lips intently as they form words. The soft lips forming sounds meant only for you. You notice each curve as she moves them and you're drawn to them to give her a soft kiss.

Things like the gentle hand on your shoulder, softly rubbing down to your back. The brush of fingers over your arm producing goosebumps. Those same fingers on the back of your neck, rubbing up into your hair where they gently tug at the hair and fingertips lightly stroke your scalp.

Things like napping together with her in the crook of your arm. You wake up with your arm aching but you don't want to move it. You don't want to wake her. Or you may be spooned up behind with your arm over her and pulling her close.

Things like waking up to sleepy eyes and a small smile. A contagious yawn starts and you stretch slightly before pulling her close again, unwilling to give up the moment even when you have to.

Things like the little kiss here and the little kiss there. Gentle kisses that say, "I just want you to know I still love you." They are soft and brief, but numerous. They reinforce that feeling of wanting more and bring you smiles.

Things like how she comes up behind you and slides her arms around your sides. She rests her head on your shoulder and presses in close. She wants nothing more than to be close and you want the same. You turn around and pull her close, back into a lingering hug.

There are so many little things that it would be impossible for me to enumerate them all. This is but a brief glimpse into the little things. These are the things I miss the most.

Make no mistake, I don't pine for the ones who came before. I simply long to share that kind of intimacy again.

Who knows? Maybe one day.