Hear Me Universe #19. Likes to Cook

Here’s the truth: I wrote #19 to indicate that I desired to attract someone who cared for himself enough to cook for himself. I wanted someone with an independent spirit who liked to contribute to a relationship in most every way, including shared responsibility for making meals.

Here’s the other truth: the bonus I received was that my husband and I love to cook together. Yes, he does make meals FOR me (#15 makes breakfast!), but there’s practically no better time than when we arrive in the kitchen at the end of a full day, put on music in the background, and create a meal together. It is one of the most giving acts: to prepare food for each other.

Hear Me Universe #18. Likes to Entertain

I love to host parties—small or large, matters not. I love to cook and share and laugh and feel the happiness that I gain from community. I guess #18 connects back to #16 and my desire for a partnership—someone who, even if it’s not their thing, takes a role in what makes my heart sing.

In a relationship, we can grow and expand by taking an interest in what our sweethearts enjoys. What I’m NOT saying is to give up what you love wholly in favor of someone else’s passions. It’s not an either/or. We live in a world of possibilities, and the more I live from a place of openness and adventure, the more my life feels expansive and abundant.

My husband, Craig, and I like to express it this way: “it’s an AND universe.” Experience ALL of what you desire and be open to even more.

Hear Me Universe #17. Understands Me

Hear Me Universe
#17. understands me

The fullness of what I desired is someone who is willing to hear me, see me, know me, and seek understanding. And, in this human experience, I change, so I wanted someone who is also willing to move through life with curiosity about how I’ve grown, how I’ve become more fully me, how I now think and see the world.

For some, that might feel like a roller coaster ride, but as my husband is fond of saying, “you don’t have to be just one thing.” I want to be dynamic and ever-evolving and, to feel understood for who I am today. Liz Gilbert, novelist and sharer of wisdom, recently wrote, “never let anyone shame you for changing.”

Hear Me Universe #16. Is My Partner

Hear Me Universe
#16. is my partner

I knew I wanted to share my life with an equal, which is what partner means to me—someone equally on this splendid journey in life, living every day in fullness, sharing time and space and experiences. Some refer to a partnership as each person giving “50-50,” but I wanted it to experience a relationship where both parties give a hundred percent.

And, I know that my 100% some days is less than my 100% others, but I desire to be in partnership with another who is also showing up, every day, with all he has to give himself, to our relationship, and to the world. This kind of partnership challenges me to show up in the same way.

Hear Me Universe #15. Makes Breakfast

Hear Me Universe
#15. makes breakfast

I love a mid-morning breakfast on the weekend—the aroma that wafts from the kitchen and the slower pace of the meal. I wanted a partner who enjoys throwing together breakfast from what’s in the fridge, creating and playing and sharing. Being “off duty” in the kitchen while someone else takes over felt like a treat. Cooking for others is an act of love, kindness, and generosity. My love cooking for me and enjoying it—ahhhhh, simply blissful.

Hear Me Universe #14. Makes Coffee for Me

Hear Me Universe
#14. makes coffee for me

Making observations about other relationships helped me generate some of my list—including #14. After dinner at friend’s home one evening, Sue’s husband, Bob, set up the coffee pot for brewing the next morning, explaining that he always makes the coffee and brings Sue a cup to her bedside table.

I wanted that. Yes, I enjoy a hot cup of coffee in the mornings, but it’s more than just coffee.

I loved the joy that Bob displayed in telling me his daily ritual. I loved Sue’s smile and ability to receive. I wanted the feeling of my partner beginning the day in a specific way that made both of us feel great. I wanted to receive graciously and gratefully.

A simple cup of coffee, delivered to my bedside table by my husband, is a tremendously kind act.