Brewing love: finding balance in the aroma of life

As I sat across from my partner, sipping on my steaming cup of coffee, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt in my stomach. He had just confessed that my coffee obsession was causing a rift in our relationship and I knew that he was right. I had become so reliant on my cup of joe that it had started to consume my life and relationships with people.

"I understand where you're coming from," I broke the long silence that ensued between us after he was done complaining about my obsession with coffee, setting my mug down on the table.

"But you know how much I love my coffee. It's just a part of who I am." I bet he could sense the grief in my tone and of course it was meant to make him feel guilty for rebuking my obsession even though I knew deep down that there was sense in what he said earlier.

"I know and I don't want you to change who you are," he said and turned over to where I sat. He took my hands in his and caressed it for a while "I just want us to be more present with each other".

I blanched because I didn't quite understand what he meant by being more present. I didn't want to lose my coffee nor did I want to let him go too so I guess I was already feeling like a white knuckled passenger.

"Maybe we could make coffee together in the mornings, instead of rushing to make it on your own?" He immediately cut in when he noticed my blanched face.

I could feel my defenses going up but he was right and I wanted to give it a try.
"Umm, I'm willing to give it a try," I said, trying to sound more enthusiastic than I felt.

A smile curved on his lips and he pressed his hands on his chest in a way to show appreciation. He was the modest kind I've ever dated.

The next morning, I woke up to the sound of Jamie bustling around the kitchen. I stumbled in groggily, still half-asleep and found him pouring hot water over a French press. As the rich aroma of coffee filled the room, I felt a sense of comfort wash over me.

"Good morning," he said, giving me a charming morning smile that made my sleepy face flush. I covered my face with my palms and took two steps backwards because I was quesy about my looks but he held me before I could take another step.

"You look like the morning sun and I just want to lick the vitamins off you". He sucked at making jokes but he sounded really sweet and I giggled taking my hands off my face.

"I waited to make coffee until you were awake so….let's get to it".

"Aren't you just the best?" My eyes were moisty and dazzling. I have never felt so good in a long time. It's just been a hundred days with him and it seems like forever.

As we stood together, taking turns stirring the press and watching the coffee brew, I realized that this new coffee ritual was about more than just the caffeine. It was about taking the time to be present with each other and I was already loving the way I was feeling.

"I like this," I said, looking at Jamie with newfound appreciation. "I enjoy starting my day with you."

"Me too," he said leaning in for a kiss.

Savoring the moment, I knew that this new ritual was just the beginning of a deeper connection between us. And as long as we had each other, I knew that I could give up my coffee addiction for good.

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