Here’s one of the biggest reasons I love my husband: after I went on and on and on for about 20 minutes about something I had read that involved identity, gender, sexuality and social structure — which separately are my very favorite topics, but combined? Wow! — I said “so, anyway, sorry to go on, but it was all just utterly fascinating,” and he responded with “I can see how that would fascinate you” which he managed to say in a way that was loving, supportive and indicated that he’d been listening and knows me very well, rather than in a way that was cutting or ittitated.

That’s a tough thing to do. And since I frequently go on and on and on about those sorts of topics, I’m quite experienced at hearing that sentiment expressed the other way.

So just in case you’ve ever wondered: that’s why I love him.

UPDATED to add: among other reasons.