Author’s note: This is part two of a two-piece work. If you haven’t already, I suggest checking out “Why Being Single Shouldn't Get Such a Bad Rap” first, then come back to read this one. Both pieces reflect on different perspectives of being single versus being in a romantic relationship, neither of which is the complete or absolute truth on its own. Here’s “The Little Things You Miss When You’re Single.”

Someone who wants to know how you slept last night. 
Someone to talk to about the wild dreams you both had. 
Someone to talk to about your wild dreams for the future, too. 

Someone to stay up late and watch the game with.
Someone to grab the remote when it’s too far away.
Someone who makes you not want to leave the bed. 
Someone to cuddle and laugh with before falling asleep.
Someone to say “I love you” to in the middle of the night. 

Someone’s slippers to use when you need to pee in the wee hours of the morning. 
Someone’s t-shirt to borrow just because it smells like them.
Someone you can’t help but smile at when you see them wearing your sweatpants. 

Someone to kiss in the morning and wish a good day to. 
Someone to remind to check for their phone, wallet, and keys before leaving the house.
Someone to tell about your mediocre, run of the mill days.
Someone who actually wants to hear all about how your workout went. 

Someone to cook for and be excited to see what they think of it.
Someone who can’t wait to show off their specialty dish to you.
Someone you’re excited to treat to a nice night out.
Someone to invite to family dinner.

Someone to scream with about the bald eagle you both see on a long drive.
Someone whose exit on the highway makes your heart beat faster.
Someone you don’t have to play it cool about how excited you are to see them.

Someone to plan new adventures with.
Someone to warn you not to get too close to the cliff ledge: it’s slippery.
Someone who really wants to see the pictures you took on that one trip. 
Someone whose stories you want to hear.
Someone to make end-of-the-world plans with.

Someone to teach you new words, new songs, new things. 
Someone who wants to hear about that movie you saw and that book you read. 
Someone to take a picture of your cute candid moments.

Someone to hold hands with, no matter who is looking.
Someone to remind you that two women kissing in public is not illegal.
Someone to sit on a park bench with and admire the fresh snow. 

Someone who isn’t tied to either of you playing a rigid role.
Someone who doesn’t need to walk you to your car, but does anyway.
Someone who wants to come when you take the dog out, even though it only takes one person.

Someone who makes fun of your weird habits and thinks you’re cute anyway. 
Someone who laughs at your jokes. Some of them, at least.
Someone who gives you a reason to be excited for a Thursday.
Someone you already miss, even though you just saw them. 

Someone who has their own quirks and doesn’t try to smooth them out.
Someone who doesn’t want you to smooth out yours, either.
Someone with whom you never have to read between the lines.

Someone who can be gentle with you in those delicate moments.
Someone who softly tells you to hush when you’re talking nonsense. 
Someone who wants to take care of you when you’re sick.
Someone who can touch your face and make your whole body light up. 
Someone who makes oxytocin flood your veins when you’re near each other.

Someone who encourages you to take time for yourself.
Someone who isn’t afraid to be vulnerable and who challenges you to do the same. 
Someone who isn’t intimidated by you being your best self.
Someone who just likes looking at you.