Unmistakably Steve
For 22 years, Steve has been my tough, motorcycle-riding, dog-loving neighbor. He knows my life’s chaos — a broken heart, elder care, house repairs — and takes it upon himself to look out for me. This Christmas, he noticed my undecorated house. “You don’t have lights,” he declared matter-of-factly. Bypassing my protests about effort, waste and aesthetics, he admitted that he had already bought me some, then proceeded to string bright, mismatched bulbs across my porch. They’re not my style, but they’re unmistakably Steve: bold, unapologetic, full of heart. Sometimes love is letting someone’s unsolicited care light up your life. — Aimee Norman
Glad the Doorman Asked
After much nudging, I go to the Marriott with co-workers for drinks. Leaving early, I hear the doorman ask, “Can I call you a cab?” I respond like a smartass, saying, “My taxi is the 6 train to the Bronx.” He laughs, then gives me his business card. I give him mine, thinking nothing of it. I completely forget about our exchange. Two days later, he calls me at my office asking me on a date. I agree, and now our 15-year-old son takes the 6 train to our home in the Bronx. — Janet Vasquez
Surprised by Dad’s Response
At 53, atop Florence’s Ponte Vecchio bridge, I proposed and my “manpanion” accepted. In Chicago, I realized I needed to come out to my father. Across a kitchen table for two, I blurted out, “I asked Michael to marry me.” Dad responded, “That’s great. Congratulations.” Seconds passed. Rewinding 40 years in my mind, I asked, “It’s OK?” My father, Irish Catholic from a small farming community, sat up straighter, held my gaze and said, “No one else gets a say. It’s good for the two of you.” When we wed, Poppy sat in the front pew. We miss him daily. — Paul James Hickey
A Slightly Toxic Relationship
“The two of you are sickening,” my son asserts. “He knows he can get away with anything because you’ll forgive him.” “He’s my man,” I say, and my 24-year-old son shakes his head in disgust, grumbling, “I don’t even know what that means.” “He” is Ruairi, a young flame-point Siamese cat who is completely self-interested yet readily offers kisses. I adore him and he knows it. Single for years, I had believed that I was over unhealthy relationship behavior patterns. Living with Ruairi shows me that I still have a ways to go. — Nancy Thompson
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