Three years ago I was laid off from a job I loved. I work in a pretty narrow field, so it was a while before I found something else. We had just purchased our house and were reluctant to relocate even though my husband works from home and could theoretically live anywhere.

One day I was feeling particularly down. My husband was in his office all day and I was on the couch. All day. I didn’t clean or look for jobs, I don’t even think I put on real clothes or brushed my hair. I was depressed over my career.

Around dinner time, my husband (who typically works very long hours), came out of his office and asked, “What’s for dinner?” Then he noticed me on the couch and asked if I was feeling okay. I honestly told him no, I had felt depressed all day and hadn’t done anything.

He nodded, came over to rub my shoulders, and then went into the kitchen to make dinner for both of us. He even made sure to ask me which I preferred, because he wanted to make me some comfort food to hopefully cheer me up. This man had worked almost 12 hours that day already. But we are partners and he stepped up to help me get through a rough patch.

We had been together many years by that point, but me struggling after losing that job was the worst experience we had been through. I was amazed at his innate kindness. I didn’t need to ask for his help, he jumped in as soon as he recognized I was in pain.

That is what a good relationship looks like.

Edit 8/11/2020

Wow, over 75k views and 9k upvotes!! Thanks everyone! My husband and I were very fortunate to find each other. I believe our relationship works so well because we bring out each other’s best self. Many comments have pointed out that this type of behavior should be normal, not worthy or special praise. But I believe it’s important to celebrate all acts of kindness, even the mundane ones. Stay safe everyone!