Reason #3

I have been in relationships before that were not based on full trust.  I regret this - I feel like full disclosure is critical to having a stable relationship.  I trust Aaron completely, because he has completely earned this trust.  If he makes a mistake, he apologizes up front.  If I make a mistake, and I apologize, he says, "I forgive you."  The first time he said this, I was almost offended by it.  I'd not actually encountered it before, where someone actually forgives you for something.  Well, says it, I know people have forgiven me before.  It felt wrong, to have that stated, but when I reflected upon it, I realized that the reason he says it is because he truly IS forgiving me.  There will be no more talk about it, after that point - I am forgiven and there is nothing left to discuss.  It's a way of giving me closure which I didn't even know how much I needed or wanted before Aaron.  That closure, and the simple gift of offering forgiveness when I am wrong and apologizing when he is, is #3 on the reasons why.