The Little Dress
Fidgeting in his chair, he watched her try to squeeze into the dress. The little dress he so adored. The little dress she refused to acknowledge no longer fit.
“Just a little tug here and there,” she groaned.
He felt awful. Why did he suggest that dress?
She look at him with determined blue eyes. “I need help with the zipper?”
He stood behind the woman that changed his life. The woman that gave him children.
He stared at the stubborn zipper that would never close. How could he tell her she wasn’t a size six? Perhaps, she would never be a size six, again.
He kissed her pale back and sighed. “Honey, I was thinking, let’s not go to the party.”
She spun around. “You said this event was important.”
You are more important, he thought.
“What about the baby sitter?”
“Babysitter’s paid for. Let’s change into our jeans. Drive around. Maybe park in that little spot we used to park in to make out.”
“Are you sure?”
Uncertain he was doing the right thing, he embraced her. Across the room he noticed their wedding photo hanging on the wall.
His doubts evaporated, “Absolutely.”
Photo borrowed from google images.
Lovely observation
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Thank you for reading.
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Thank you for reading
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Love this…thoughtful and compassionate…on the surface a seemingly simple story but at a deeper level…so profound. Thank you. I enjoyed reading this!
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Thank you so much for saying that. You made me so happy with the comment.
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😀
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Aww, beautiful.
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Thank you. I was going to ask a question at the end. Our hero took the coward’s way out. In the past, I tried to be gentle and honest, and it only caused hurt feelings. Is his approach right? Or does it depend on the woman? Thanks for stopping by.
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Honestly, I think he did the right thing. She mattered more to him, which is the way it should be. Even though her body wasn’t the same, he still loved her and didn’t want to make her feel bad. She gave him children and even though the dress no longer fit, he still felt the same about her. To me, that’s what matters.
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You touched me. Thank you. Because I have taken that approach, even when she has begged be honest with me. You made me feel so much better. Thanks.
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Of course. I’m happy I could help.
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This one’s gonna last. This could be the final reading for your winter husband courses. They have to answer whether it’s true or false.
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Smiling. LOL Wait, did our hero take the right approach? Basically, he was a coward. Women always say they want men to be honest. With experience, I have learned to use the approach in the story. Is that right?
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We have a saying in my faith that you must not put a rock in front of a blind man. What does one get out of letting someone get injured? Out of hurting another person when it could have been avoided? She certainly knew in her deepest self that the dress no longer fit, and she knew why. Saying it aloud doesn’t do anything positive for either of them. It’s important to be honest when someone you love is too drunk to drive safely. But when you really love someone, you suggest that you will drive, and then later, when everyone is sober, you do everything to teach the person you love to drink more responsibly.
I’m frequently around people who have Alzheimer’s disease. It is not honesty to tell them that their spouse or child has died – it’s cruelty. That person can never work through their grief because their illness locks them into a permanently damaged mental state. Very shortly after my dad died, of a massive stroke, my mom, who has Alzheimer’s, started telling me that she had dream that my dad was on the floor, begging her to call 911. She just looked at him, terrified at his injured body on the floor, unable to process what had he wanted her to do. She couldn’t call 911. She’d forgotten how. We knew from evidence that was exactly what had happened. He lay helpless on the floor for 24-48 hours. What I told her was that it couldn’t have happened that way, that her sorrow at missing the man she loved so much made her believe an incorrect account. She told me the story many times. I assured her over and over that she was wrong, that it hadn’t happened that way, that she had taken good care of dad. Eventually she stopped blaming herself and forgot the story. She could never work through the grief process properly because the disease interrupted any chance of progress. But at least I didn’t prolong her guilt. Was I dishonest? Will God hold me accountable for not telling my mom the truth, that had she called 911 right away he might have survived?
There are ranges of everything in life. Learning to recognize all the million shades of gray is so much more valuable than insisting that only black or white exists. This was never about the dress – it was about how much he loved her despite the changes time wrought on both of them. His answer was that he loves her forever and that if other people can’t see how lovely she is, no matter her age or weight or wrinkles or thinning hair, if other people might hurt her feelings, then only he will get to gaze. If love is only about a sexy body in a skinny dress then there was never any true love to begin with. That’s the honesty.
Forgive me if I’ve interpreted your story incorrectly. I found it touching for the sweet sympathy he had for his beloved. He moved the rock out of the way.
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You interpreted my tale perfectly. He needed to attend this event but she was much more important to him. Parties & events will come and go, his spouse is here to stay. As for that saying of the rock, genius. I love it. Your story of your parents left me in awe. I had to read it twice. What an amazing story. For me, that story shows love can overcome everything. It is the greatest power of all. Thanks for sharing it. And thanks for your great comments. I always treasure reading your thoughts. Have a good one.
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Superb! Excellent to ‘Start the Day’…… 😉
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Thank you for reading. Hope you are well.
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Getting there….. 😉
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Wonderful.
Quite wonderful.
And a tip of how to get ourselves out of a most definitely awkward situation 😉
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I take the coward’s way out, even though she repeats “Be honest with me.” In the past honestly hasn’t worked too well. Thank you for reading. I appreciate it. Have a good one.
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You too old chap 🙂
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Thanks
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Smiling 😊
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Thank you for stopping by.
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I. Love. This!
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Smiling. Thank you for reading.
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This one made me cry. Happy tears… Such love really does exist in the world, doesn’t it? “Absolutely!,” I hear you say. Well done, sir!
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Absolutely!! Smiling. That’s the approach I use after trying other failed methods. But whatever happened to honestly?? How should he have handled it? Thanks for reading. And yes, ABSOLUTELY
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Gorgeous. Tender and beautiful. To cherished in such a way…
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Ahhw, such a cute story ❤
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Smiling. Thank you for saying that and thanks for reading.
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Softly softly love does call.
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LOL You are to sweet.
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It’s true, there’s such a gentleness to this piece that it beckons to be loved back.
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Smiling. Thank you. You made me glow.
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Ooh, I would much rather drive around and park than go to any party… regardless of dress size. 🙂 I love your story.
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Aw, thank you. Yeah his offer was pretty sweet, wasn’t it. But did he do the right thing? Whatever happened to honesty? Thanks for reading.
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Definitely the right thing. 🙂
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Thanks
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love this!
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Smiling. Thank yuo so much for reading.
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This is such a beautiful story and shows how thoughtful, loving and kind you are. Kudos to you. I like the mushiness you’re adding day by day 😀
It is true that we women sometimes forget we can’t perfectly fit back into our clothes from before pregnancies sometimes. With my daughter I had taken on 20 kgs and lost only 10 after the delivery. Tried fitting into my old jeans that my ex had bet would not fit me and sure enough it was not going to happen even in hell. My ex was getting impatient telling me that I should just accept that I had lost and that the jeans was really really not my size anymore. After some battling and as we were getting late for the movies, me being the stubborn thing I am I remember cutting open the sides of the jeans on the top and wearing a longer sweater coming out of the bathroom with an angelic face and a wicked devilish feeling of triumph inside. I can get highly creative when I want to win a bet 😀
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Bravo, love your creative approach. lol Wait, I am not letting you off the hook. What about honesty? The hero took the easy way out. Was that right?
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Bla bla honesty, the chimp. Everything is a question of dosage and interpretation if nothing has been clearly defined to determine what is the truth. The jeans were fitting everywhere except at the waist. We had not actually set rules on what would define fitting and whether the jeans actually had to be closed with the button without any alteration. I think this one was won “haut la main” as they say in french. It was not like I had ripped open the whole jeans and then stitched them back 😀 😀
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LOL Okay, I understand. Seriously, I adore your approach to it. Sometimes, we have to do these things just to SHUT HIM UP.
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OK now I am actually replying to myself as I realised that I pressed send highlighting a part that got cut. I think your hero is not being dishonest, he is merely being loving and kind. If she had asked him a direct question and he lied it would be slightly different but he was just being supportive and loving in a creative way. I’d take that dishonesty anytime over some honest brutality
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Thank you. I will keep your wisdom with me for future events. The only time I am brutality honest is with myself.
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I think we should love and cajole ourselves as much as we do for others we love 😀
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That is so true. Smiling.
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🙂
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You don’t think he was being honest? I don’t know… I felt such honest love emanating from his words and actions, that I sense no contradiction at all. What he wanted most was to share some beautiful moments, cherishing the one he loves, and so he chose that path over one full of unrealistic expectation and less eager anticipation. I don’t think you can get more “honest” than that…
Honestly… lol!
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What a comment!! You made me glow. Thank you. That has been my approach after a few failed relationships. No you can’t get more honest than that. Thanks
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I simply love this.. I mean who wouldn’t rather go parking? Smiles.
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Smiling. I’m not letting you off the hook that easily. You like honesty. Did the hero do the right thing?
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What the hero did was very nice, but do you let the lady go on thinking she can still fit into a size 6 dress? What happens the next time she ask the hero to zip her up again? Is the hero going to find somewhere else for them to go? Smiles
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No, in a quiet and subtle way the hero will take her shopping for a new dress. To avoid the awkwardness the next time. Leslie, I have been down that road before. I learn from my mistakes.
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The heroine will be happy to go shopping I’m sure. I’m sure you’re a gentlemen about things Drew. Smiles
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LOL I try. Old fashion chimp
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Again, a lovely post.
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Thanks
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Ha ha ha! Thank you for this! Just last night I was trying on this dress my husband said I looked good on but it won’t fit. So he said he’ll take me shopping!!! Jumping!
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LOL That was a good result as well. Enjoy the shopping. Happy you related to this. lol
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Oh yeah, a lot of women struggle with this especially after many pregnancies.
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Wait a minute. what about all the flabby dudes who spend their evenings on the couch. No one looks at that.
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You mean those who fell asleep on the couch with babies on their chests? Awwww
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LOL
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Incredibly sweet.
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Thank you for saying that.
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You mean to say you have not gained a few inches around your waistline from the wedding photo:)
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LOL Not too many. I am careful of what I eat. Not sure if you understood the point of the story. Or perhaps you didn’t read in full. He would never judge her. He accepts her additional pounds with love. And he found a way to evaporate her discomfort.
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I read it full. Could not stop myself from trying to pull your legs. Seems like you are firmly grounded and I failed in my effort. 🙂
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Hahaha Too funny. Hey, I used to try to be sweet & honest. Hey, maybe the dress doesn’t fit anymore. Disaster every time. I learn from failed relationships. This approach is working pretty well. Thanks for reading. I am laughing hard.
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Feeling good that I could make somebody laugh.
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You gave this chimp a good one. Thanks
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You are welcome.
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So thoughtful of him to suggest the dress in the first place and then backtracking to them having sex in a public place. How manly is that……very manly lol
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LOL Damn, He was onyl suggesting necking in public. LOL But the sex had to be a bonus. LOL Too freaking funny.
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Men have sex on their mind….always necking leads to hands wandering Ahem! No what I mean. lol
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I know exactly what you mean. The tactic has worked very well for me. lol
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Ha ha ha
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Sweet! 🙂
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Thank you for stopping by to read. I appreciate it.
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To be able to right these words, one must truly experience compassion and love. These are emotions in people that often never go beyond budding. You were gifted with a heart that remains in full bloom. You are a lucky man!
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Thank yuo for saying that. I have learned the hard way. Trust me the hard way. lol
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So lovely!
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Smiling. Thank you for reading.
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Beautiful! ❤
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Thank yuo so much for reading. It is appreciated.
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Sweet, and yes, it was the right thing. We have eyes, we can see when something doesn’t fit. We need to know it doesn’t matter.
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Sweet. We women are always so hard on ourselves. It’s always wonderful when a man understand the true worth of a woman
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Smiling. Women are too hard on themselves. but what gets me fuming are men who criticize women for the extra pounds, yet they have put on an extra 10 or 20 themselves. Why do women have to be models? Thanks for reading.
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On the other hand…he could have said, “let’s stay home and do that Buns of Steel aerobic video you’ve been meaning to watch.
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LOL I tried that once with a kick boxing video, it didn’t go well.
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Oh yeah, sounds a bit violent.
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It didn’t go well…seriously
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aaw I loved reading this. I can imagine my partner dong this for me. Such a selfless act of respect :0 thanks for sharing
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Smiling. Thanks for reading. What better way to avoid hurt feelings? Happy you enjoyed it.
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My name is Carisa and I’m a Lonely Author Addict. I’ve tried abstinence but I can’t get this monkey off my back! ❤️ I know I’ll need another fix soon! 😉
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LOL How can I frame this comment. Freaking best comment I ever received. LOL Oh you made this chimp so happy.
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Haha!! 😉 Lol! You make me very happy!
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You make me smile so hard. Thanks.
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Delicately handled and absolutely the right choice. Such a wonderful moment captured in this short piece, Andrew.
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Thank you. Trust me. I have learned from experience.
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You are welcome! Such an evolved chimp you are 🙂
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lol
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🙂
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Nice one.
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Thanks John
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Lovely story and message conveyed.
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Smiling. Thanks for reading.
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And that is why, I lost my twins weight right away!!
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Smiling. Some ladies aren’t so lucky. Me for instance, I still fit into my size six dress.
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Thank you so much. I appreciate it.
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Love this story….short and very sweet..:)
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Thank you. I try to keep them short. Who has time to read long stories. Thanks fo stopping by to read and comment. I appreciate it.
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Love above all else..
Very romantic writing
Words that stir the soul..
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Thanks. You are too kind. I’m no different than the other guys, I just learn from my mistakes. I actually did that recently. Saved me from grief. Thanks for reading.
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Awww I love that 😊 you are a good thoughtful guy & hubby..
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Smiling. Thank you. Still learning.
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What a kind and sincere gesture! You should pen a “to do” list for men to get the romance back into their relationships. I think you’d have the best ideas. ❤
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Laughing. Thank yuo for saying that. But I am still working on my own list. Thanks for reading.
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Deep…carries a much deeper meaning than meets the surface. #whatloveis
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Smiling. How many bad days are changed by a gesture of a love one. And of course, they are the reason we make these sacrifices. Thanks for stopping by to read and comment.
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Love is possibly the most powerful emotion. And becomes even more when it’s coupled with emphaty
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Smiling. I agree 100%. Thanks for reading.
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Even more powerful*
Empathy *
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Smiling. Thanks.
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A charming tale of true love, Andrew. Beautifully written.
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Forgot all about this old thing. Thank you so much for reading and for your comments. Appreciate that.
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Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
WHAT ARE YOU KIDS DOING WITH THE SHADES OPEN???? 😀
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Lovely.
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Appreciate that. Thank you so much
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I like this so much. What a sweet love story.
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Happy you liked it. I forgot all about this old story. Thanks for reading. Appreciate your kindness,
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LOVE THE WAY YOU MAKE THE WORK SLIDE OFF THE PAGE BUT DON’T LOSE THE HIDDEN MESSAGE, CHINA
china.alexandria@livingthedream.blog
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Very kind words. Thank you for reading and dsharing your thoughts.
It is greatly appreciated.
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Reblogged this on LIVING THE DREAM.
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I am flattered and grateful you think this post was worthy of sharing. Thank you for your kind and generous
gesture of support. It means a lot to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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