mommyknows, I'm glad you have so many hands to hold in your life. Thanks for reading and commenting.

Zoe, that's what I find so interesting—hand-holding has so many dimensions. As a parent and a wife, I'm finally beginning to see how all those dimensions are related, at their core.

AnnieH, two things that struck me about your comment are the "not trying to hide it" reference and your use of the word "refreshing." Yes, too many people feel too uncomfortable in their expressions of love, so the easiest approach is to hide it. And yes, when two people are able to let it shine, it's very refreshing.

Lance, watching our children grow up is so very bittersweet, isn't it? Perhaps the hardest thing is watching that self-consciousness gradually rise to the surface, and seeing how they react as they become aware of how they might be perceived by others. 

V-Grrrl, I'm so sorry. It just doesn't seem fair, particularly when the "bait and switch" factor is in play. I'm going to assume, though, that you're feeling love via other forms of delivery? (Btw, thanks for checking out my blog.)