No Diamonds

My boyfriend does not buy me diamonds.

He does not buy me any jewelery, in fact. He does not shower me each day with gifts, flowery words, or presents.

What he does is care for me, about me.

My boyfriend gives me his time. He gives me his attention. He rarely if ever forgets to ask how I am feeling, how my day has progressed, how Amadea is.

My boyfriend comforts me when I am sad, when I am uncertain, when I feel overwhelmed by whatever new curveball the Fates have thrown my way.

My boyfriend takes an interest in my family and friends. Not in a casual way, but in such a manner that there is no doubt he is in this crazy long distance relationship with me, for the long haul. He asks about Dad and Dad's little dog. He even knows about Bo's puppy heart meds. He is all up in Amadea's business, too. How many men do you know are willing to Skype with a four year old, discussing such things as puppies, owies, little kid books, and crazy imaginary face painting? Yes, he discusses what 'colours' Amadea paints my face, even though there is no real colour involved. He worries about my unicorn (my newest term for my errant daughter), rages over injustices at my work, and laughs at the goofy details of my work days.

My boyfriend is tickled by my mind. He thinks my sense of humour is adorable (adorkable at times, too). He talks about serious issues, silly issues, bizarre issues, and listens to my thoughts. He shares his writing, and knows how to make subjects I am not interested in sound very interesting and entertaining. He knows I love to hear such things.

My boyfriend is not a wealthy man. He is rich in the ways that matter, in ways that money cannot buy. He is smart, funny, caring, and kind. He is fiercely loyal, addicted to puns, and fucked up in ways that match my fucked up parts perfectly.

I pity any woman who laments a lack of 'gifts' from her man. If he is worth it, if he is true, he has many gifts to offer, regardless of how much money he has to spend.

My boyfriend does not buy me diamonds.

Who cares? I get the real treasures on a daily basis.