I don’t need you to pull out my chair and hold open doors for me — but I need you to treat me with respect during our good and bad days, so I know you see me as your equal.

I don’t need you to make public social media posts about how you can’t live without me — but I need you to take me home to meet your family, so I know that you’re serious about us.

I don’t need you to take me overseas on expensive vacations — but I need you to spend your days off with me, so I know that you consider me a priority.

I don’t need you to leave romantic notes around the house for me to find while you’re gone — but I need you to send me a text if you’re going to be late coming home from work, so I’m not kept waiting.

I don’t need you to drown me in compliments — but I need you to notice when I get a new haircut or wear an outfit you’ve never seen before, so I know that you’ve been paying attention.

I don’t need you to take me out to five-star restaurants — but I need you to plan out dates you think I’d like, so I know that you were trying.

I don’t need you to buy me flowers and expensive jewelry on our anniversary — but I need you to write out how you feel inside of a card, so I know that you’re thankful to have me in your life.

I don’t need you to rearrange your schedule so that we spend every second of every day together — but I need you to be there for me whenever I’m feeling down, so I know that I can rely on you.

I don’t need you to cook me fancy dinners with candles scattered across the table — but I need you to remember to pick up my favorite snacks when you take a run to the grocery store, so I know that you were thinking of me.

I don’t need you to write romantic songs for me and play them on the guitar — but I need you to turn up the radio when my favorite band comes on, so I know that you remember what I like.

I don’t need you to scatter rose petals across our bed — but I need you to stay the morning and cuddle with me, so I know you’re not just using me for sex.

I don’t need you to say I love you every five seconds — but I need you to show me that love, so I know it’s still there.

I don’t need you to buy me a ten carat ring — but I need you to talk to me about the future, so I know you’re planning on spending the rest of your life alongside me.

I don’t need you to be a hopeless romantic — but I need you to put in effort, so I know that I’m not the only one who cares.

Holly Riordan is the author of
Severe(d), A Creepy Poetry Collection.
Pre-order your copy here.