How do you know if someone loves you?

I am reminded of the wise words of Elizabeth Barrett Browning: 

“I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you for the part of me that you bring out."

Think about it. 

A lover worth his salt will make you feel so good about yourself that you will have a smile on your face and know that you are completely and totally beautiful. 

He will place your needs above his own. He will not be jealous of your accomplishments. Rather, he will celebrate them. He will be proud to be with you,and that fact will make you stand tall and feel ever so self-assured. 

If that fabulous jacket loves you, it will make you feel more confident and more beautiful. It will skim your body, not hug it so tightly such that you can barely breathe. It will be gentle on your skin and the color will enhance your color, not diminish it. It will stretch with you, not hold you back. It will be refreshed when you are refreshed and it will be willing to play a different role when you call upon it to do so. It will also get along well with the others in your closet. It will indeed stand the test of time because it brings out the absolute best in you. 

I can hear you now. What a romanticized notion! Indeed it is. But it is still true. 

Those trendy expensive heels caused you pain. That gorgeous purple top did not get along well with others. Neither did it make you look good in their presence. Its purpose was to be noticed, not make you more noticeable. 

See what I mean? 

Someone who loves you will want to spend every season with you for many years to come (like a tropical blend, high quality blazer).

Those who love you will show you great support and lift you up when you're feeling down (like a beautiful bra). They will feel comfortable with your family, friends and colleagues (like a pair of well tailored pants with a touch of Lycra). They will be ready and able to accompany you to a business event or a lunch with friends (like a versatile suit). They will focus on your assets and accept your flaws (like a form fitting dress with princess seams). They will never intentionally hurt you or make you feel self-conscious (like a beautiful pair of classic black leather pumps).

They will never ask you to be someone you are not (like a traditional neutral color trench coat). They will not flinch when you ask them to dress up for a special occasion one more time (like a string of real pearls or a vivid silk scarf).

And every time you see them you are so glad that they are there and they are yours.

Now, dear readers, go forth and shop!