Intimacy is sometimes sex—but a lot of times—it’s so many other things.

It’s placing a cold washcloth over their head when they’re sick.

It’s somehow knowing that they need ice cream tonight, and surprising them with their favorite flavor.

It’s watching someone ugly cry—seriously, the ugliest of cries—but seeing their beauty through the sadness.

It’s feeling their heartbreak as if it were your own.

It’s feeling their disappointment deep in your bones.

It’s three squeezes to signal “I. Love. You.” when you’re holding hands.

It’s offering a back rub, even if you don’t really feel like doing it at the moment.

It’s covering them with a blanket when they fall asleep on the couch.

It’s being vulnerable with each other—so much so that you dare to tell them your biggest, wildest, wackiest dreams.

It’s staring into their sleepy eyes late into the night or maybe even before the sun rises.

It’s legs dangled over each other on the couch, making a meal for one another, putting on a song they love.

It’s simple and powerful.

It’s quiet and pure.

It’s connection and support.

It’s special and it’s yours.