You Have the Best Nickname Ever

This is a unique form of love that develops slowly and softly while hiding in the shadows of friendship and adoration. For me, that love began in the quiet times I spent with him; the true gentleman, the one who gave me unexpected confidence and self-worth.

When I think about it, I still grin because he stated it so simply and naturally:

“You have the best nickname ever.”

I felt my cheeks blush as the words lingered in the air for a little minute. The warmth in his voice and the honesty in his gaze were just as noteworthy as the complement. His compassionate demeanor in all of his actions and words made my heart skip a beat.

He never showed it off, yet he was an expert at everything. But what really made him stand out was his respect for other people, even when his skill and knowledge were obvious. He was not the kind to ever make someone feel inferior or tiny. As I worked with him, I also saw personally how he handled everyone; his words were always encouraging and his actions were always modest.

It seemed as if the world was more important to him than his personal accomplishments, and I have always admired his uncommon humility. I have always felt like he is carrying the entire world on his strong masculine shoulders.

However, I thought his upbringing was what really made him a treasure.

Not only was he naturally a gentleman, but it seemed as if his mother had molded his character by teaching him the value of compassion, honesty, and integrity. I would think about her a lot, picturing the knowledge and love she must have given him.

She must be very grateful for the gift of raising a guy who is a great gentleman, treats everyone with dignity, and always make others feel heard and seen.

He had been my boss back then. However, he never once behaved like such in any of the encounters. There was no dominance in his behaviour, no power plays. Rather, he was a mentor, a leader, and someone who had faith in me even when I had doubts. His unflinching belief in me and his silent encouragement allowed me see that I was capable of more than I had ever imagined.

Through his support and direction, I developed.

I developed into a more positive version of myself while he was mentoring me.

I became more confident and my career took off. I improved as a person, which is even more significant. I learned the power of honesty, the significance of humility, and the worth of self-belief from him. This was all done without ever expecting anything in return or attempting to change who I was.

However, I could not ignore something else that developed inside of me as I did.

My fondness for him, the silent awe that developed into something more profound and intimate. He was more than just an extraordinary person. It was the sense he gave me that I was important, that my aspirations were real, and that my voice was always heard. His presence in my life, improved everything.

But my sentiments become more nuanced every day. I was caught between my intense affection for him and our close relationship. I was afraid I might lose him if I told him what was on my mind.

He had molded me into the person I am now and served as both my mentor and greatest friend ever.

What if I put everything on the line by telling him how I felt back then and now?

The tie that had been so significant to me: the friendship, the trust, the unspoken connection.

I liked him because he had given me confidence in myself, not simply because he was a real gentleman. However, deep down I was unable to force myself to utter the words. There was far more dread of losing him than there was hope of getting anything else. The idea of us altering our relationship was too much for me to handle.

What if, in sharing my heart, I lost the one person who had always been there for me?

I was afraid that by expressing my emotions, I would destroy our relationship, which was the most important thing to me.

Between us, in the silence, I clung to my unsaid words. It was my secret, my unspoken dedication, that I loved him.

Occasionally, when we conversed or shared laughter, I would find myself questioning if he would ever experience the same emotions.

But, I got the impression from his behavior: always kind, never going overboard, that he merely considered me a friend. As a result, I kept my sentiments to myself for fear of losing him completely if I told him.

But as I think back on our time together, I see that being in love does not necessarily need verbal expressions. Sometimes, love is only shown in the way we treat each other, encourage and support, and improve one another.

I have also found calm in this silent, unsaid love because I know that the man I adore and will always treasure, is a genuine gentleman in every aspect.

Perhaps, one day I will have the confidence to tell him how I feel.

But for the time being, I carry my love for him silently, like a hidden gem, knowing that what I say is less essential than the great influence he has had on my life.

And as I continue to grow, I do so with gratitude, for the gentleman who made me believe in myself, and who, unknowingly, captured my heart….