all that lovey-dovey stuff.

Yesterday, as we were enjoying ice cream cones on a very hot Michigan spring day, my 8-year-old brother informed me that I did not, in fact, go to college.

Me:  "Yes, I did, for a little while."

Carson:  "But you're not going anymore."

Me:  "You're right."

Carson:  "Yeah, because now you have a love life."

Me:  (amused)  "What's a love life?"

Carson:  "You know, when two people meet, and then they have a love life."

Me:  "You mean like when two guys meet?"

Carson:  (slightly exasperated)  "Noooo.  When one guy meets one girl, and you know, they do love life things, and talk lovey to each other, and all that lovey-dovey stuff."

The conversation drifted onto other topics as the ice cream melted off our cones and onto the table in front of us.  (In Carson's case, onto his shirt.)  I smile as I recall this conversation and the simplicity with which my little brother thought of a romantic relationship.  But I think there's something to be said about this simple approach to something we often take way too seriously.  Don't get me wrong -- a relationship requires a lot of time, energy, attention, and give-and-take.  But it's not all seriousness.  It's laughs & giggles.  It's a water fight while doing the dishes.  It's asking him/her, "Would you like to go on a date with me this Saturday?" -- even if you've been together for years.  It's giving him/her a smirk and a slap on the ass as you walk by.  It's flirting like you're fifteen again.

So to Jonathan, my husband and closest friend -- I'm so glad I have a "love life" with you.  I'm glad we "do love life things, and talk lovey to each other, and all that lovey-dovey stuff."  :)  Always your girl, xoxo.