Love Never Felt So Good

I have finally learned how it feels to be cherished.

All my life, I have happily loved and given my heart without reserve – to friends, family and the great loves of my life. Until recently, however, I had never experienced that kind of love in return – certainly not in a romantic relationship.

I say I “happily” loved that way, and in many ways I did. But I found there’s something very empty about a one-sided love. Unconditional love, the cherish kind of love can be given whether it’s returned or not. God teaches us that. As humans, however, we have physical reactions when our love is unrequited, when we feel rejected or abandoned.

That time, for me, has ended. For the first time in my life, I am experiencing a mutual “cherish” type of love.

The Cherish kind of love is a love where…

• You don’t have to guess how the other person feels. They show you constantly.
• You know and remember each other’s likes and dislikes.
• You feel safe with them – whether in person or from afar.
• They never make you prove your worth. They know your worth, and you know theirs.
• What’s important to you is important to them, and vice versa.
• You do little things just to please the other or make them smile.
• They comfort you and strengthen you when you’re weak.
• They lovingly encourage you and push you to be your best.
• They are always truthful. There are no secrets between you.
• Nothing and no one is allowed to come in between your relationship.
• You both know unequivocally that you have each other’s backs.
• You can laugh together - at yourselves and each other, without offense.
• You don’t tear each other down to build yourselves up – not even in humor.
• They respect you and never ask you to compromise your standards.
• You can grow together.
• It's safe to share your innermost thoughts and dreams.
• They protect you.
• Even when you’re having challenges, you feel safe. You know you’re both so committed to the relationship that challenges won’t tear you apart. Challenges won’t cause one of you to stray or speak ill of the other to outsiders.
• They never ignore you.
• You trust each other.

I have finally found the cherish kind of love…or rather, it’s found me. I’d known him for a while and always cared for him, but I didn’t realize just how much he loved me. He was patient and waited for me. He watched me get my heart broken multiple times, knowing if I’d chosen him instead, things would have been different.

Finally, he declared himself and his love for me. He’d tried before, but I hadn’t realized his full intent. This time, I heard him.

This time, this relationship, I’m starting off slowly. I am learning to trust him with my heart as he entrusts his heart to me, and it feels wonderful.

This kind of love…this cherish kind of love...is what I’ve been waiting for.

Love never felt so good.

I love you, my love.