However, I didn’t realise just how much I loved him until the pandemic. Our empty nest coincided with lockdown, and suddenly, we were stuck with each other 24/7.
It could have been a disaster, but instead, it turned out to be the best year of our lives. We had so much fun together; it felt like being newlyweds.
We watched each other’s favourite childhood TV shows, played cards, cooked together – all the ordinary things you normally do when you’ve just met.
Women are raised on a diet of Cinderella fairytales, and even though we should know better, we too often buy into the idea that a great love story needs passion and drama
Tess Stimson
One afternoon, after Erik had fallen asleep on the sofa, I sat watching his chest gently rise and fall.
In that moment, I realised I loved him in a way I couldn’t even put into words.
Women are raised on a diet of Cinderella fairytales, and even though we should know better, we too often buy into the idea that a great love story needs passion and drama.
It might be exciting in the short term, but soap-opera fights and make-up sex are signs of an insecure, immature relationship.
Coming home to a man who hugs you and snuggles up on the sofa to watch a box set is far more romantic than clearing up broken china after yet another row.
The greatest love story is the one that lasts and is built on friendship, kindness, tolerance, and companionship.
My Mr OK turned out to be Prince Charming after all.
‘The New House’ by Tess Stimson, published by Avon, out now.
tessstimson.com
