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The Goodbye Kiss: Small Gestures, Big Impacts in Relationships

Do you kiss your partner goodbye every day? It’s a simple gesture, but lately, I’ve been thinking about how important these small moments can be. I’ll admit, I’m not always consistent about it myself, but this morning my wife was taking the kids to school, and as she left, she simply said, “Goodbye, see you later,” and walked out.
The kids didn’t say goodbye, and she didn’t really acknowledge me either. I know every couple and household has its own routines, but ideally, I’d love for my kids to say, “Bye, Daddy,” maybe with a hug. And with my wife—a simple kiss goodbye would mean so much. Just a genuine, unforced kiss. After all, you never know when a moment could be your last.

 

Reflecting on Relationship Needs

 Yet, our goodbyes never happen like that. I’ve noticed that when I drop her off somewhere, she sits there, not leaning over for a kiss. It leaves me wondering if she even wants to say goodbye. It’s such a small thing, but it’s started to weigh on me.

I find myself questioning if this was something I missed at the beginning—did I overlook these small things or not set expectations from the start? Maybe I was just so eager to move forward with someone that I let these little details slide. She’s an incredible person, and I don’t resent her, but sometimes I feel like our needs and wants don’t align.

 

When Familiarity Breeds Complacency

 In past relationships, I’ve rarely felt that anyone truly fought for me. I believe in making my partner feel special because I know what it feels like not to. And here I am wondering: If I’m not receiving what I need, what can I do? I sometimes wonder if my wife feels so secure that she assumes I’m not going anywhere. Is it that sense of comfort that’s causing her to put in less effort? I can’t help but think it’s unfair, but I also understand that routines can lead to complacency.

I love my family deeply, but there are times when I feel strangely lonely, even when I’m surrounded by them. My boys are young and have their own way of doing things, but with my wife, it’s a different kind of loneliness. I wish she could see what I’m feeling, and I’d gladly do the same for her. But I can’t be the only one giving.

 

The Give-and-Take of a Relationship

 Relationships aren’t always 50/50; sometimes they’re 80/20 or 60/40, depending on what life brings. Some weeks, I’m at my best, and others, I’m not. It’s that give-and-take, the fluctuation, that helps balance things. I understand she has her stresses with work, the house, and the kids. I’ve got my own, too.

Therapy could help her process some of this, and I think it could open doors for our relationship—or help her see that maybe this relationship isn’t for her. I can’t force her, and I don’t want to, but I worry about what it means if she doesn’t take action.

 

Hope for Change

 If she did decide this marriage wasn’t right for her, I’d support her, as painful as it would be. I know I could find a way to move forward. I’ve come a long way over the years, and if it came to starting over, I could keep building my life. For now, though, I think we need to work on understanding each other’s needs and seeing if we can meet halfway.

 

Finding Connection in Small Gestures 

In relationships, even the smallest gestures can mean so much. A genuine kiss goodbye or a warm acknowledgment from our loved ones can brighten the day and strengthen the connection. If you find yourself feeling distant from your partner, maybe start by sharing a simple moment together—saying goodbye with care, leaning in, and giving a real, intentional kiss.

Relationships thrive on small acts of love. Are there little gestures you’ve been missing or would love to see more of? Take a moment to share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you keep the connection alive.

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