When you were born, you had a unique way about you.
You spoke in a certain way. You admired others in a certain way. You picked up your food in a certain way.
No matter how much your parents, friends, culture, society, and peers tried to shape you into something other than what you were, your unique self has always been shining through in everything that you do.
No matter how much societally imposed persona gets piled up on top of who you were when you were born, your unique self will always still be there.
The way you look into any person’s eyes contains an element of your unique self. Even if your parents said not to stare. Or even if the marketing that surrounded you in your pre-teen years told you to add a bit of soft sexiness to your gaze.
The way that you write words on a page says something about your unique self. Even if you broke a bone in your arm while ice skating when you were younger. Or your third grade teacher taught you to sit up extra straight while writing by hand.
The way that you cuddle your partner says something about your unique self. The way that you hold a book says something about you. The way that you look at musicians playing their music says something about you.
You have your own unique way of being in this world. And so too does everyone you will ever meet.
So the secret to finding a lifelong love (in a friend, a partner, a business partner, or any sort of relationship) is to find someone who’s unique self you resonate with. If their soul was a song, find one that you would gladly listen to forever.
And to strengthen the foundation of your relationship, listen to, and really hear, the nuances of their unique song.
Remind them what their song sounds like when they have forgotten it momentarily. And sing it out loud with them when they have their lungs full of air and tears in their eyes.
Find your own unique self, amidst the societally imposed clutter, and embrace it. Love it. Cherish it.
And find a partner whose unique self you can respect, admire, and adore… up close, and from a distance… for the rest of your life.