Receive effort without immediately reciprocating at the same intensity. A thoughtful gesture does not create a debt. You can simply enjoy being considered. I realized that receiving does not begin when I meet my husband. I have to learn how to receive before the relationship happens. And there are so many opportunities to practice this in my life right now. Receiving a compliment and simply saying thank you instead of minimizing it. Allowing someone to help me instead of immediately saying, “I got it. Accepting a gift without mentally calculating what I need to buy them in return. Letting someone pay for my meal without feeling like I need to get the next one. Allowing someone to carry something for me, open the door for me, make something easier for me, or take something off my plate. Receiving support from my family without feeling like I have to prove that I can do everything alone. Paying for services that support my life and actually allowing myself to be served. Letting someone celebrate me without turning the attention back toward them. Receiving kindness from a stranger without questioning why they were kind. Accepting an opportunity, connection, resource, or introduction without feeling like I immediately owe the person something. Allowing people to show up for me when I am usually the person who shows up for everyone else. Receiving rest without believing I have to earn it first. Receiving ease without creating something difficult to replace it. Receiving God’s provision without immediately moving on to the next thing I am asking Him for. Receiving an answered prayer and actually sitting long enough to enjoy what I once prayed for. Receiving is something I can practice everywhere. Because then, when the relationship comes, being pursued does not feel unfamiliar. When he plans the date, I can receive it. When he chooses the restaurant and makes the reservation, I can receive it. When he opens my door, I can receive it. When he brings me flowers, I can receive them without immediately thinking about what I should buy him. When he notices something I need and handles it, I can say thank you and allow myself to be cared for. When he gives generously, I do not have to rush to prove that I am equally generous. When he makes my life easier, I do not have to find another burden to carry so I still feel independent. When he pursues me consistently, I do not have to start pursuing him back at the same intensity.