168 Comments
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Carma's avatar

I feel so inept with romantic love and passion, such a novice. When I come across people articulating their experiences so clearly with so much tact I feel jealous in some way. Then I remember we’ve both never experienced being a human before and are dancing with each other for the first time. It’s comforting. Thank you for this.

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azeez's avatar

This is really kind, thank you too. Articulation is nothing without ideas (and everyone has those :D)

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sochi's avatar

i feel the exact way. it’s so lovely and i feel so envious at the same time

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Felicia LeClere's avatar

It is so unusual to read about a man working through his own desire in such an evocative but not overweening way. Honest about seeking a way and place for that desire. Whatever your intent with this essay, this will be more seductive than any kiss you describe as it articulates unspoken process in a gentle thoughtful way. Don’t kiss the next date — hand them this. It delivers all the right nuance.

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ruby's avatar

Reading a vulnerable piece about love from a man is really refreshing. Cried when you described your favorite kiss. Very sweet words thank you for sharing

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azeez's avatar

Way too kind, thank you. Glad it made you feel something.

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Daniele Toso's avatar

It's not just about kissing tho

But the bond and connection

Been intentional & never wanting to let go 🥹💕

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sochi's avatar

you articulate love so gently .

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azeez's avatar

it breaks easily :D

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Earl Colvin's avatar

Twin brothers of different mothers ,Azeez. Married 36 years this past Tuesday and I still remember the first time my wife kissed me.

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azeez's avatar

That’s beautiful. Congratulations.

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aJefferson's avatar

I think you should see her again. Whatever she might make you wonder about will be a joy to read!

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joy's avatar

i adored this <3 it felt precarious, wispy, almost like a butterfly about to fly away… immediately subscribing

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wds's avatar

"A kiss after sex depends on the sex. If you’re in love, it’s probably hard. If you slap each other during sex, it’s probably soft - like all reconciliatory things. How hard should you slap a woman?"

there's SOMETHING about this bit. wow. thank you so much for writing this, it made my heart feel things.

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azeez's avatar

I must be doing something right - thank you :)

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Daniele Toso's avatar

It's not just a kiss tho ,It has to do with the chemistry and connection, the bond and never wanting to let go

That intentional kissing while the eyes and fixed at each other 🥹💕

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Bec Norton's avatar

Mostly we don’t know how hard we want to be kissed, we are waiting for someone to show up and give us the surprise. The happy sound in your mouth line is palpable.

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anuhea's avatar

obsessed with you

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azeez's avatar

ur too nice :D

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laughing waters's avatar

See her again!!

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CC (cece?)'s avatar

Extremely raw and passionate words choice, I love this so much. I’m an overthinker by nature, and this made my brain happy

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mindful [future] ancestor .net's avatar

also, i love this thought/realization and definition - "I figure the first word ever written was used to communicate a want. Or a need. Which are the same thing, just separated by enough time to turn the writer desperate." so brilliant

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Moon's avatar

This was articulated so beautifully and really spoke to me ♡ you should also definitely see that girl again, you never know where love might take you

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Alexis Dove's avatar

oh I really loved this wow

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azeez's avatar

glad u enjoyed! 🤠

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Paul McGuane's avatar

“There’s no reason to lean against a wall, all alone, nursing your passion like you nurse a drink. Not if there’s a willing dance-partner waiting for you, a willing receiver of your desire." Don’t just stand there, bust a move!

Your piece was a beautifully written. I really liked it. As someone upstream said, you’ve earned a subscription.

I am struck, as it were, by how many (women?) are commenting on how gentle it was. The language was tender but … as hard as you *slap* her? I will never understand. I think that makes me a beta. Trying to understand. Worse, *hoping* to understand.

But your piece was wonderful. (“That’s what she said.”)

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azeez's avatar

Ha-ha! (thank you)

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