“Like what?”

“One of the things I encourage couples to do is ask each other questions but not just randomly. The focus of the questions and learning the answers is to ask ‘how does knowing this information move us closer to a more intimate bond’. You don’t want to ask things that you are not ready to hear the answer to or that has no relevance to your current relationship or the foundation that you’re trying to build on. Do you really need to know how many people she slept with when you were apart? Is that something you want her to know about you? What would be the point?

But instead maybe ask something like ‘What is your definition of a great relationship?’ or ‘What is your definition of a true life-partner?’ or ‘Do you think your life-partner should and can also be your best friend?’ You want to ask questions that will provide insight into who she is and what she wants out of a relationship and that will help you to meet those needs and to strengthen the bond between you.

You’ve promised her 17 acts of love and kindness and those acts reflect what you know about her. The whole birthday surprise was amazing, Barbados was the perfect destination, the birthday DVD will be treasured, getting her and Kate together was a self-less act, the chocolate making class? I mean what chocolate lover wouldn’t love that. All those acts really show her that you are paying attention Bette. You’re intuitive to things about her that she doesn’t have to spell out for you. I don’t think you need to worry about Tina going anywhere. She will never find another love like yours.”

“I will never love another the way I love her.” Bette says this very seriously and Emma can see the sincerity in her eyes. “Listen doc I better get going so you can get back to work. Thanks again for seeing me. I’ll talk to Tina tonight and when we have our session on Thursday we can let you know how things are progressing.”

“That sounds good. Oh by the way Liz and I think sending Suzie to camp with Angie and Sophie will be great. We’ll go over this information you gave me and we will talk to Suzie this evening. I’ll let you know for sure by tomorrow morning so Lisa can confirm those reservations. I will see you and Tina on Thursday at 1:30pm but call me if anything comes up before then. OK?”

“I will.”

Bette and Emma hug and bid farewell. Bette felt much better after her talk with Emma. Now she was ready to talk to Tina about her fears. When Bette got back to CU she called her favorite florist to order a “Thinking of You” balloon bouquet to be delivered to Tina at the center. She asked them to insert a note with the following quote: “If today, a smile should appear on your face, it’s because at this very minute, I am thinking of you and I am smiling too.” Author Unknown – she signed it ACT V