At first you'll notice his height and broad shoulders, though you'll never notice how sturdy he is till you've laid your head on his chest. It's as if his body became aware during adolescence that one day it will need to bear the weight of the world. If you're lucky, or if he's tipsy, he'll tell you how light you feel compared to it. Pay close attention to his hands when they're not around you. They'll tell the story of holding onto something too tightly for too long. His palms are soft slabs of thick skin. Don't ask him what has scarred his back and callused his skin. His smile will turn inside out, the corners of his lips will pull down. He'll bury his neck and tilt his head towards raised shoulders before letting them fall as if he has no idea what you're talking about.

Always tell him you miss him. It is so much more important than telling him you love him. Even if he's being a huge *******, tell him you miss him. He needs to know that you love him whole heartedly. You'll miss him, you'll miss him all of the time, but not in the way you would expect to miss him. Missing him isn't present, his name isn't flashing across your mind in a racing string of exclamation points, his voice isn't looped on repeat. Missing him is soft, gentle in the way you won't even know you've missed him till you see him again. He will always return the words. He will always tell you he misses you. He doesn't play the "manly man" card when it comes to telling you, though he'll never tell you exactly how much he does. He loves getting random gifts, especially pick ups.  He loves being held, slip your arms around your chest but don't worry if you forget. He'll do it for you. Drape your arms around his neck when he's sitting on the edge of the bed. He will fold into you, and you will feel all of his muscles relax. He loves back rubs and back scratches, this is crucial. When he relaxes, make sure you tighten around him because soon he will be standing tall again.

Remember to love him unconditionally.