wind beneath your wings

i've heard a lot of theories in my life. glass half full, glass half empty, live and let live, hold on to hope, etc etc.

one of the things i hold to is the idea that love is the greatest of all (cor 13).  yeah, married gal lens, but i still think it's true.  i've learned a lot in a serious relationship of 8 years (married for 2.7), there are many times when we get the best of ourselves, but mostly, love is based on selflessness.

i will say this now, and say it again - a genuine relationship must be based on being your significant other's cheer leader.  sounds simple - right (minus the whole cheerleader outfit, heyyo! :))?  but so true.  you must, above all else, have your (in my case spouse) significant other's back.  i've read interviews, read a few books, had a few life experiences... but i really don't think you can beat trust.  someone you know will have your back no matter what, someone who will encourage you regardless of the situation, how can that not be the epitome of happiness?

i see so many relationships where people love each other. which is great.  but when the rubber hits the road, they don't actually have that quality of wonder, the one that instills beauty in everything, that thing that inspires - knowing that the one that you love not only loves you, but believes in you no matter what.  yes. there are many important parts to relationships... but i can guarantee you that if you do not know (beyond a shadow of a doubt) that the person you love above all else will stand behind you through thick and thin, believes in you and your abilities, and will encourage you in every way (likes, dislikes, passions, hopes and dreams), your relationship is going to suffer.  yes, there is fear in that equation - no human is perfect, and no one is without failure, but the foundation of trust is built on the love and respect of "that one", and it can only flourish in that same way.

ladies - grab a toe-hold, cuz this is something that can scare us, but it is totally and completely necessary. a man cannot thrive unless we give him the freedom and ability to do so.
men - the beautiful woman you adore will not grow into what she is meant to be if you do not cherish what she values and respects.

point taken? yes.  you must be the person, that when asked, the one you love could say, without a second thought, that you are the one who is the silly-termed "wind beneath your wings"... if you're not, well, you really should wonder... who is?

love is the greatest of all - but you must remember, everyone feels love in a different way. does the one you love feel that support from you in the way that they personally need it?