Inconvenient, Ordinary, Real: The Kind of Care That Makes Love Last

Taking care of someone we hold dear is a solemn act. We hold them, taste their hands, and see if we can do something to lessen the burdens. We all have the tendency to look for ways to help our favorite people, in ways we can show how deep our love is to them. Many in a relationship, as I observed, couldn't think of how small acts of care can make a relationship grounded in intention and make it firmer and valuable. Sometimes, independency is prioritized too much, we forget how taking care of our loved ones when needed means so much, and it could go a very long way for both parties. How about you? How do you see care in a relationship? Let's talk about it here.

Yesterday, I was preoccupied with taking care of my boyfriend after his appointment at a local dental clinic here in our town. He was complaining of a mild toothache in his molar after getting braces, and he couldn't sleep well nor do his work properly. It was a sudden dental problem, and the only option we had was to have a tooth extraction. Without further ado, I told him to prepare himself and I would book a schedule for him yesterday.

We arrived at the clinic where I am taking care of my teeth, Ramirez Dental Care, just a 15-minute ride from the central town of San Remigio. I recommended this clinic because it is affordable and has the best quality of dentists and services. It is also the most convenient clinic we have in town and offers very professional service. I brought with us Zuki, my boyfriend's dog, since he couldn't leave Zuki at the house because no one could take care of him. When we arrived, we were handed a form to fill out with personal details and necessary precautions printed on a paper to let us know the cons of tooth extraction and some alternatives. Without doubt, we continued with the tooth extraction to let the pain go away. It was only 20 minutes and the extraction was done.

Necessary aftercare and instructions were given to us after the procedure. We stayed in the clinic for 15 minutes to rest since my boyfriend felt numb and almost fainted inside the clinic. But fortunately, he was okay and safe because the dentist was present.

I couldn't let him go on his own to their house. He asked me if I could come with him to their house and take care of him, which I was also thinking of doing. I agreed I would stay at their house for a day so I could take care of him and tell his family the instructions we received from the dentist. Before going to their house, we passed by our favorite cafe to buy cold drinks, which were suggested by the dentist to help ease the numbness. Afterwards, we headed to their house.

And we found ourselves squeezed into his room, with food on the foldable table. I took care of him for the whole day and prepared food. I stayed with him while he experienced the side effects of the tooth extraction. We also had a small misunderstanding before meeting at the clinic, and he asked to stay longer to talk when he could. As he was considering his teeth, he couldn't open his mouth properly. Even if we had a misunderstanding, we showed up and helped each other. Because love is supposed to show up even if we have a small conflict. We set it aside because I needed to take care of him, but we talked about it and communicated eventually.

Sometimes we would read books in his room together and share our insights.

Sometimes we would eat randomly at midnight because we get hungry after long, late-night talks. He even put makeup on my face because he likes doing it.

I realized that caring is not always grand or loud. Sometimes it is simply staying, preparing food, waiting beside someone while they recover, or choosing to be gentle even when there is a misunderstanding between you. Caring is showing up even when things are inconvenient, when the room is small, when the day is tiring, and when love asks you to be patient. It is the quiet decision to remain present for someone, to lessen their burdens even in small ways, and to let them feel that they are not alone in the moments when they need someone the most.

Today, I brought with me this Positive Potato he got for me. Everyday, I see this in my bag and feels lifted. Care can be seen in small but impactful reminders, feeling supported by a person you value the most. Care is a gift with a noted on its hand that says "I am rooting for you".