You

We have a weird relationship. You and I.

You’re not very likable at times. You know? But other times, I can’t praise you enough.

You are a little crazy. And you drive me crazy too with all the over thinking you do. These are the times I wish I could shut you off. But, I do realize that all this over thinking of yours is what prepares me for everything I’d ever have to face. And that’s when I want to thank you. And pamper you.

I also don’t like the fact that you doubt yourself sometimes and think you’re not worthy of the things you get. I hope you understand someday that nothing was given to you for free and you worked for those things to be there in your life.

I know you feel like it’s rare when you’re anybody’s first choice for anything. But I think I’ve told you enough that when people do make a choice to choose you, they don’t regret it one bit. And hopefully someday you’ll learn that your worth wasn’t based on people’s choices.

To be honest, even I doubt you sometimes. Sorry that I do. But I am grateful for the fact that you’ve learnt to rise beyond doubts and pull through everything like a little star.

You don’t cry a lot, do you? For the things that hurt you? I don’t know how you make it, but I admire how you deal with the times when you’re hurting.

Oh and also, I love how you don’t shy away from appreciating when you see something beautiful. And I hope you know you deserve the appreciation you get too.

I have to tell you though, you’re terrible at telling people how you feel. But I think it is pretty great how you prove your feelings by your actions.

You see this pattern?

Me telling you the things I don’t like very much about you and the very next moment appreciating what I completely love about you?

We have a weird relationship. You and I.

Now the “you” here is me.

It’s I, Me,  who has a weird relationship with myself.

And I don’t know me sometimes. I am not perfect and neither is my relationship with myself. But I’ve certainly learnt to see the good and the bad, both, in me. It’s not perfect, but I still do love it.

Is that okay?

I hope it is.

The Valentines Day Gift Guide

Gift #1. Communication.

Communicate how you feel on a daily basis. Even though you are not the kind of person who's good at expression. Let them feel at least once a day that they hold a significant place in your life and you trust them enough to share your vulnerabilities and have then share theirs. Try and be vocal. Appreciate their mind. Appreciate their body. And let them know you're grateful to be a part of their life. 

Gift #2. Support

Be supportive of their dreams and passions and goals. Believe in them when they don't believe in themselves. This means more to people than they can express. Be their shoulder to cry on and the person they first come running to, to share their happiness with. Also, know that sometimes just your presence is enough support.

So, just be.

Gift #3. Trust

Letting someone know you trust them is a gift in itself. Being trusted is beautiful. Trust their decisions. Trust their visions for the future. 

And with your trust in them, help them trust themselves again. And no, we're not talking about blind trust here.

Suggest, help, scold and advice them in the times they need you and then let them know you still trust them.

Gift #4. Honesty

Honesty is the best policy. Pretty good advice for every relationship. Especially romantic relationships. You owe honesty to the person who invests time and effort into building a relationship with you. Nobody likes playing darts in the dark and not knowing what they're getting into. Let them know what they mean, how much value they hold for you. Let them know, honestly.

Gift #5. Let them be

I think it's almost criminal to try and modify a person to suit your requirements. If the person you're about to get involved with doesn't have what you need from a partner, don't get involved in the first place. 

Let your partner be their true self. How they were born. Let them have their freedom. Their freedom to choose and make decisions. Let them be crazy in their own way. And if crazy is not for you, step away.

The least you could do for the person you love is, let them be. Let them be themselves. They've got just one life, like you do.

Gift #6. Travel

Travel together. Explore places and plan fun adventures. Get to know their fears and learn how to calm them. Learn what they enjoy.

Beaches or mountains.

Summers or winters.

Observe how they behave around people other than you.

Notice their little mannerisms and habits and let them know what you love. Try different cuisines. Hog together. And tick things off your combined bucket lists together. 

Gift #7. Space

Give them space. Nobody is obliged to constantly enjoy company. You both are not obliged to do everything together under the "committed" tag. Let them hang out with their friends and people you don't necessarily know. 

There is a thin line between being concerned and protective and being possessive and overpowering someone's life. 

It is absolutely possible to be committed and have two separate lives that satisfy your vision of the life you want. 

Acceptance is the key. Acceptance of their wishes and a life they imagine for themselves.