Dear Anita,

This softness that you speak of. I recognize it too! The affection- oh how I love how you used that term. I know that feeling recognizing a mannerism of someone you like or love and smiling. Appreciating this personal trait about them or this endearing personal trait. Seeing them as they are, they’re innate self thinking out loud. It is nice to to recognize it, and nice to feel this softness.

I’ll give you an example then too. I noticed last week I mentioned there was that day I prepared to be a good listener to my husband. Well he came home with that old enthusiasm in his voice. Excited about the store he has just gone to or someone he had met. I hadn’t heard it in forever- and I used to hear it all the time. It was a pleasant feeling to hear this and also feel that softness. If only momentarily.