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?