I've got to be honest here: greeting my SO is something I needed to learn. Sometimes, I would be in such a hurry to catch the train to work, I didn't take the time to properly say goodbye to my SO. When I'd sit down in the train, I'd always feel a little guilty and regret blurting my goodbyes and rapidly closing the door behind me. I wouldn't see him for an amount of time, and my behaviour could definitely be interpreted as not appreciating our limited time together. That didn't sit right with me, so I changed my ways and I am never leaving the house again without a proper goodbye. (If it's the other way 'round, and he is leaving first, I insist on a goodbye hug or kiss.)
The same goes for greeting my SO when we see each other again after being separated for a while. I quit whatever I happen to be doing and greet him, give him a welcoming hug or kiss, and ask him about his day.
(I noticed that this little ritual - if I may call it that - corresponds with my and SO's love language profile of words of affirmation, physical touch, and quality time.)
Why has this become so important to me? Because it is my way of showing that I am not taking anybody's presence for granted. Because I like spreading positive vibes. Because I am genuinely happy to be reunited. Because I want to be in the moment together and be grateful for it.
A few days ago, I was cooking dinner when he returned from work. I heard his footsteps in the hallway. I opened the door and greeted him with a sincere smile on my face, kissed him and told him I was glad to have him home again. To my pleasant surprise, he said: "This is why I'm always happy to come home." (Needless to say, I was glowing for the rest of the evening.)
The little things definitely matter.
How do you greet your SO? Do you pay any particular attention to greeting/saying goodbye to people?
[–][deleted] 6 points6 points6 points | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 6 points7 points8 points (2 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 2 points3 points4 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]ControlYourselfSrsly5 points6 points7 points (2 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 4 points5 points6 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 2 points3 points4 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]Littleknownfacts3 points4 points5 points (2 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 3 points4 points5 points (1 child) | Copy Link
[–]jade_cat3 points4 points5 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]PixieDelightsMid 30s | Married 8 years | total 123 points4 points5 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]jade_cat4 points5 points6 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]EngineerInPearlsMid 20s | Engaged | Together 5.5 years2 points3 points4 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]DebatePony29| Married 6 years| Together 15| Not that red2 points3 points4 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 2 points3 points4 points (1 child) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 3 points4 points5 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]MakeMineARedWine 3 points3 points3 points [recovered] | Copy Link
[–]MakeMineARedWine 3 points3 points3 points [recovered] | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 1 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 2 points3 points4 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 2 points3 points4 points (2 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 2 points3 points4 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 2 points3 points4 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 2 points3 points4 points (3 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 2 points3 points4 points (2 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 2 points3 points4 points (1 child) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 2 points3 points4 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]DemonDigitsLate 20s, LTR, 2 yrs2 points3 points4 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 1 point2 points3 points (5 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 2 points3 points4 points (4 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 5 points6 points7 points (3 children) | Copy Link
[–]fire-fly30, single3 points4 points5 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 3 points4 points5 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 3 points4 points5 points (0 children) | Copy Link