Teach Me How To Love You

I came into this thinking I knew what love was

Thought I had it figured out from movies and songs

But loving you showed me I didn't know anything

Every woman before you was just practice for this

And I'm realizing that what worked before doesn't work now

Because you're not like anyone I've ever known

So I'm putting my ego aside tonight

Something I don't do often, something that feels foreign

Asking you to show me what you need from me

Not what I think you need, not what I want to give

But what actually makes you feel safe and chosen

Because I've been guessing and clearly I've been wrong

Teach me how to love you the way you need to be loved

I'm not too proud to admit I don't have all the answers

Tell me if you need words or if you need silence

If you need space or if you need me closer

If my gifts mean nothing and my time means everything

I'll adjust, I'll learn, I'll become what you need

I used to think love was one size fits all

That if I did the things I saw other men do

Flowers, dinners, compliments on your dress

That would be enough to make you feel adored

But you've shown me that love is more specific than that

It's learning someone's language and speaking it fluently

Maybe you need me to ask about your day and really listen

Not waiting for my turn to talk but actually hearing you

Maybe you need me to notice when something's wrong

Before you have to tell me, before you have to ask

Maybe you need consistency more than grand gestures

Showing up every day, not just when it's convenient

I'm taking notes, I'm paying attention now

To the things that make your eyes light up

To the things that make you pull away slightly

To the words that heal and the words that wound

I'm studying you like you're the most important subject

Because you are, because this is, because we are

Teach me how to love you and I'll be your best student

Patient with myself when I mess up, and I will

But always coming back to try again, to do better

Because you deserve a man who's willing to learn

Not one who thinks he already knows everything

But one who's humble enough to say teach me

I want to love you so well that you forget

What it ever felt like to be loved wrong

I want to set a standard so high in your heart

That you never settle for less than you deserve

And if that means I have to unlearn everything I thought I knew

Then hand me the eraser, I'm ready to start over

Teach me how to love you

I'm listening now

Really listening

Show me and I'll follow

Lead me and I'll learn

Until loving you right becomes as natural as breathing