So this morning I was scrolling through my phone feeling kinda guilty, ya know? Last night was date night and I totally flubbed it. Got her flowers – which were dead by the way – and mumbled something about her hair looking “nice” before zoning out on the game highlights. Big mistake. Saw that headline about sweet words and figured, heck, I need this practical advice ASAP.
The Ugly Setup
First step was finding the damn list. Googled it quick while hiding in the bathroom – she was making breakfast in the kitchen and I was not ready to explain. Found one promising article titled exactly that. Bookmarked it fast, my palms sweating like I was hacking the Pentagon or something. Felt ridiculous, but desperate times.
Next, I needed to practice. Locked myself in the study. Didn’t just read it quietly, no. I stood in front of the big mirror like I was prepping for a play. Looked at my dumb face and tried saying stuff out loud:
- “I just feel so safe when I’m with you.” (Felt super weird saying that to myself. Voice cracked on “safe”. Pathetic.)
- “You make even the boring stuff, like laundry, kinda fun.” (Practiced this while folding socks. Seemed appropriate.)
- “No one else gets me the way you do.” (Stared deep into my own eyes. Awkward.)
Felt like an idiot talking to myself, honestly. But it was less cringy than trying it live unprepared.
Testing Ground Zero (aka Washing Dishes)
Ok, courage gathered. Walked into the kitchen like I owned the place, leaned against the counter while she was elbow-deep in soapy water. Deep breath.
“Hey,” I started, trying to sound casual but my voice pitched up like a teenager. “Just… I wanna say I feel really safe when I’m with you. Like, genuinely.”
She stopped scrubbing the pan. Turned and looked at me. Like, really looked. Not mad, not annoyed. Just… listening. Silence stretched. My stomach did a flip. Did I misstep?
“Safe?” she asked, kinda quiet. “That’s… actually really sweet.” A small smile. Jackpot! Or… mini-jackpot. Kept my momentum going before I chickened out.
“Yeah,” I stumbled on, “and seriously, you make even washing dishes kinda less… miserable?” Okay, “miserable” wasn’t on the list. Shit. Panic! But she just laughed. Genuinely.
“Are you offering to help?” she teased, handing me a wet sponge. Okay. We were good. Real good.
The Drive-By Text Strike
Later, after I actually did help dry dishes, she went out shopping. Saw the list still open on my browser. Time for a remote attack. Scrolled, picked another one:
“No one else gets my weird jokes like you do. Texted you that feeling stupid. Put the phone down fast. Felt vulnerable. Like sending a love note in middle school hoping the teacher doesn’t intercept it. Phone buzzed instantly. Her reply: “Lol only cause I’m just as weird :)”. Plus a heart emoji. Score!
The Grand Finale (Before Bed)
Nighttime. Lights low. We were just lying there, scrolling phones in the dark – the modern romance. Remembered another one from the list. Put my phone down. Took another deep breath (why is this harder than asking for a raise?).
“Hey.” She turned her head on the pillow.
“Sometimes I just look at you and I’m amazed you’re mine.” Said it plain. No mirror practice this time. Just said it.
Her eyes got a little shiny in the glow from the streetlights outside. She didn’t laugh. Didn’t tease. Just reached over, squeezed my hand hard, and said, “Yeah. Me too.” Rolled over and snuggled back into me. Held my arm tight. No more words needed. Mission. Absolutely. Accomplished.
Lessons Learned
- DO practice it alone first. Saying the mushy stuff out loud is harder than it looks. Needs reps.
- DO pick your moment. Blurting “you’re amazing” while she’s mad about burnt toast? Bad move. Dishwashing solidarity? Prime time.
- DON’T overthink the delivery. My voice cracked, I called dishes “miserable”, whatever. She heard the effort behind the awkwardness. That counted more.
- DON’T expect fireworks every time. Sometimes it’s just a hand squeeze. That’s gold.
That list? Worth its weight in gold. Used maybe 5 of the 25. Changed the whole vibe of the day. Practice the words, find the moment, and just say ’em. Feels risky. Totally worth it.
