The Bouquet
My stepdad passed away six months ago, and we loved him dearly. Every year, he sent my mom a huge bouquet on their anniversary, so this year I ordered a beautiful flower arrangement for that day. Mom doesn’t know yet, but she won’t be without flowers on their anniversary this year either.
Grandma
Sometimes I visit my grandma with my best female friend, who I introduce to her as my girlfriend. Grandma had a tough life and found comfort in her faith. Now, in her twilight years, I don’t want to upset her by telling her I’m gay.
Thoughtfulness
My wife takes pride in how our kids always remember her birthday, name day, and our anniversary—it means a lot to her. Honestly, I’m the one who reminds them because they’re so scatterbrained they wouldn’t remember on their own.
The Designated Driver
Whenever we go out partying, I always volunteer to be the sober driver. Everyone assumes it’s because I don’t like alcohol, but really, as a big guy, I watch out to make sure no one puts the girls in awkward situations. I step in if I see someone being too pushy or if someone’s had too much to drink.
The Ethical Hacker
I’m an ethical hacker, using my skills for good. Once, someone posted on a forum that they were out of work and out of money. I found their address and sent them a big grocery delivery by courier.
The Grandchild
I work as a cook in a nursing home, and one of the forgetful elderly ladies—who has poor eyesight—always thinks I’m her grandchild. Her family rarely visits, so I stop by once a week after work to chat with her like her grandchild. She’s always so happy to see me, and honestly, I don’t mind because she’s much kinder than my real grandma.
The Secret Admirer
My cousin was feeling down on Valentine’s Day because all her girlfriends had partners, and she’d been single for six months. The day before, she told me she felt a bit lonely but planned to watch a romantic movie and eat some chocolate to get through the evening. I sent her a lovely bouquet and told the flower delivery service not to reveal who it was from. She called me ecstatic, convinced she had a secret admirer. I was happy to brighten her day. Years have passed, and she’s still guessing who it might be.
Baby
After eight years of trying, my wife and I are finally expecting a baby. We haven’t told anyone yet—we waited until the three-month mark and the genetic tests came back clear. We’ve separately invited our parents, siblings, and best friends for a backyard barbecue, and no one suspects the big announcement and celebration ahead.
Finances
I love my girlfriend so much—she’s the sweetest girl in the world. We’ve been together for two years; she works at a multinational company, and I run my own startup. I earn three times as much as she does, but she never accepts anything from me. I conspired with her parents and paid off her mortgage as a birthday gift. She doesn’t know yet, but she’ll never have to make another payment.
Mirci
My girlfriend got fired and was completely heartbroken—she loved that job. To cheer her up, I brought home a kitten from the shelter. (She loves cats but always said it wasn’t possible because we live in a small apartment.) I told her I found it on the street. It was love at first sight. Mirci pulled her out of her depression and has been the light of our eyes ever since.
