
We are strangers. We pass by each other frequently but hardly take a clear look at each other. We both have our own circle and we live happily. We’ve heard each other’s names somewhere from our friends but we don’t exist in each other’s lives.
One day, we meet each other through a mutual friend. We shake our hands, say “Hi”, exchange some words and go on our own ways. Now we notice each other when we cross paths. We exchange a smile and a sweet “Hello”. Occasionally we meet randomly at the canteen and have some snacks when our mutual friend is present.
After a few weeks, we connect on social media. We share some memes and laugh at them. We share our thoughts on a few jokes which are out of line. We appreciate each other’s views. We share a few things that happened in our lives. I tell you how I used to play with my neighbour’s dog and how much I missed him when we had to move out of that house. You tell me how you were bullied in school and how it has affected you mentally. We share consoling words, to ease the pain that no longer exists.
We exchange numbers. We call each other when we feel bored or feel like talking to someone. We tell each other how our day was. We share our favourite songs with each other. Whenever we cross paths, we stop and have a chit-chat for at least 5 minutes now. We introduce each other to our friends. We suggest to each other some good books. We meet at the canteen in the evening to have some chit-chat over a chat (a type of snack). We take our first selfie together. We go back to our place with a heart full of joy.
One day, we plan to go out. Just an outing. We talk about anything and everything. We take some pictures, of each other and together. We go back to our place and share the pictures. Now we talk daily, either over the phone or by text or in person and we share everything. Slowly we start to meet daily. It has become a habit for us to spend at least 30 minutes together. We walk along the streets, under the shades of trees and the rays of the setting sun.
We started to go out frequently, each week, even twice. We keep each other’s pictures as chat backgrounds. I look at you with awe when you speak about things you are passionate about. Your face gets a sudden glow. You help me with the talk I’m about to give in front of 1000 people. You encourage me and stand as my pillar of confidence.
We share our darkest memories we won’t dare to remember when we are alone. Looks like now we know each other quite well. I buy you your favourite ice cream. You buy me my favourite chocolate. I buy us a book which we both like. You share a new song which we both like. Our friends tease us when they see us together. We just smile it out. Oh look, our cheeks turn so red 🙂
We have started to do things keeping each other in mind. Our lives have already started to converge when we weren’t looking. We started to surprise each other with gifts and we are at the height of happiness. We share each other’s insecurities and we try to overcome them together. We fight, sometimes. But it doesn’t last long. I can’t stand seeing you sad and you can’t tolerate seeing my eyes wet. We apologize, we understand, we adjust, we change and above all, we grow, together.
We don’t have to say those words. We both know we have fallen in love, little by little, one word at a time.
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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You may also like these posts on The Good Men Project:
White Fragility: Talking to White People About Racism |
Escape the “Act Like a Man” Box |
The Lack of Gentle Platonic Touch in Men’s Lives is a Killer |
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Photo credit: Shutterstock.com
White Fragility: Talking to White People About Racism
Escape the “Act Like a Man” Box
The Lack of Gentle Platonic Touch in Men’s Lives is a Killer
