Even though I consider myself to be a relationship type of person, I admit it’s not easy for me to be in a long-term relationship. I need a lot of independence and freedom, lots of changes.

I acknowledge the potential for growth here. I’ve evolved a lot though my marriage. And I am willing to put work into it; to talk about our wounds, to go deep, to make time, to ignite passion, whatever it takes. Luckily, I have a partner who is also looking to grow within our relationship.

But sometimes when things get harder and harder, I run away. Running away does not necessarily mean leaving. You can escape while you stay in your marriage. I can drift away slowly, give up, stop fighting because I believe there is no chance he will ever understand me. I go inwards, absorbed in my thoughts and feelings, convinced he does not feel me, he has no idea what is going on.

And my man, always manages to surprise me. In the end I always find that he feels and he knows. I find that he understands me more than I understand myself, that he is willing to accept me more than I am willing to accept myself.

How fortunate I am that he is my man.

I love you. Thank you for never giving up on us. Happy Valentine’s Day.

In the picture, my husband and I on our honeymoon, June 2014, Umbria, Italy.