A few months ago, Max and I marked our eight-year wedding anniversary. After almost ten years together, I assumed I knew all his signature moves to impress me. During our courtship, he’d pick me up in his red, 1966 Mustang, and we’d spend the day cruising down Highway 1, stopping at scenic vistas along the California coastline. When we first wed, he’d bake a batch of slice-and-bake cookies to savor while we watched our favorite TV series. Nowadays, when our garden is blooming, he gathers vibrant bouquets to fill our vases.
But recently, he caught me off guard…
It was a Saturday morning, and like any parents with young kids, we were already up and preparing breakfast by 7 a.m. As I brushed past him in our tight kitchen, Max turned to me and asked, “Ready to try the best coffee of your life?”
Naturally, I halted and started questioning him: “What do you mean?” “Did you find a new café?” “Are you taking me somewhere special?”
“You’ll seeee,” he teased.
Max fetched our Moka pot, and then (to my surprise), opened the fridge to retrieve two eggs. After initiating the espresso, he cracked and separated the eggs, then whisked the yolks with a sugar spoonful until they became thick and creamy. I watched as he ladled the pale-yellow froth into one of our china teacups — a wedding gift — poured the espresso over it, and set it before me. Indeed, it was the best coffee I’d ever tasted. (Here’s the method he followed, if you’d like to give it a go.)
For the remainder of the day, I felt ecstatic. Partly from the caffeine, but mostly I was just charmed and encouraged. After all these years, and now with three little ones, our romance often takes a backseat. There are times when we act more like colleagues than two people who want to passionately be with each other for the rest of their lives. Observing Max craft this special coffee made me realize: Learning how to do something, specifically for your partner — like baking their beloved cake, or playing their favorite tune on the guitar — is such a straightforward way to invest in your relationship.
So, the next moment I sense us slipping into co-worker mode, I’m going to strive to learn something that will make Max grin and feel cherished. Like cooking barbacoa tacos, or memorizing lines from his adored SpongeBob episode. Because I want to keep this wonderful thing we have going, for countless more years.
Max making my coffee so I can take pictures for this post 🙂
Have you learned something new for your partner lately? Or has your partner surprised you in an unexpected way? I’d love to know.
P.S. A funny thing that happens in relationships and 12 relationship tips from a wedding reporter.
(Photo by Anna Malgina/Stocksy.)
