Jordan Gray says that real love is intentional love.
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I believe in loving like you give a shit.
I believe in being overly affectionate in public. Even if it means that those who are envious label you as ‘that couple’ or tell you to get a room.
I believe in flirting with someone you’ve been with for years.
I believe in seeking out our barriers to intimacy and working our way through them.
I believe in forgiveness, and acceptance, and our ability to move on when others have hurt us.
I believe in the healing power of listening. And empathy. And a well-timed, genuine “me too.”
I believe in apologizing when we’ve done something wrong. And taking full ownership of our part of the relationship. And embracing total responsibility for ourselves and our behaviour in our lives in general.
I believe in the sexiness of self-care, because when we take care of ourselves, we can truly be there for others.
I believe in simple dates, extravagant dates, and playful dates that spawn inside jokes that last for decades.
I believe in verbal appreciation, and lots of it.
I believe in investing in “Fuck yes!” relationships. And authentic connections. And the kind of coincidences that can only come from our twin-flame connections.
I believe in leaning in to tough conversations. And showing ourselves as we are. And letting people know when we’re hurting.
I believe in accepting ourselves today as we are, and simultaneously striving for growth at a healthy pace.
I believe in head scratches and foot rubs… nose kisses and holding hands.
I believe that people who are meant to be together will always, with time, find a way to be together.
I believe in transparency, and vulnerability, and deeply loving honesty.
I believe in relationships as a safe container for growth.
I believe in regular date nights, connecting on purpose, and romantic gestures.
I believe in nurturing the kind of love that brings you home to a more authentic version of yourself.
I believe that the people who put genuine work into themselves are the ones who end up with the kind of intimate relationships that most people only think exist in fairy tales.
I believe in long hugs and slow kisses.
I believe in loving someone who looks, smells, and feels like home.
I believe in multi-hour sexual play dates, quickies, and morning sex. Sometimes all on the same day.
I believe in saying, “Fuck you society. I’m going to have sex and I’m going to LOVE it.”
I believe in kissing your partner passionately even when they’re sick. Especially when they’re sick.
I believe in doubling down on the kind of love that expands you… develops you… bursts you wide open.
Whether you label it as intentionality, or effort, or loving on purpose, or any other phrase, it’s really all the same thing.
It all comes down to loving like you give a shit.
Putting in the work. Showing your partner that you care. Creating the love you desire through your thoughts, words, and actions on a daily basis.
Aka… loving like you give a shit.
If you’re someone who loves like they give a shit, I salute you.
The world needs more of you.
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If you enjoyed this post, you’ll also love reading:
7 Things All Women Need In A Relationship
How To Fuck Like You Give A Fuck
A 23 Point Love Contract To Bulletproof Your Relationship
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This post originally appeared at JordanGrayConsulting.com and is republished on Medium.
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