Lead with Love | What True Partnership Looks Like
In a world that often emphasizes independence and self-sufficiency, there is something profoundly beautiful about a relationship built on mutual care, respect, and love. When men lead with love, they don’t just fulfill traditional roles—they create an environment of warmth, support, and partnership that nurtures both individuals.
The words in the image above struck a chord with me. They are a heartfelt thank-you to the men who lead with love, who stand beside their partners as a source of comfort and strength. And lately, this has hit even closer to home for me. In September, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s a diagnosis that has been on my mind since the day my mom died of it more than 23 years ago. Last month, I had a double mastectomy. This has been a season filled with uncertainty, fear, and so many questions. But through it all, one thing has remained unwavering: the love and support of my husband, Matt.
Matt has been nothing short of amazing. From the moment I received my diagnosis, he has chosen to lead with love in the most beautiful ways. He’s been my steady rock when I’ve felt like I might crumble. He’s taken on the hard conversations, helped schedule appointments, asked the hard questions when I couldn’t, and held my hand through the toughest moments. When the world around me felt like it was spinning, he grounded me. He reminded me that I am not alone. That I am loved. That we are in this together.
The Power of Choosing to Lead with Love
Love is not about control or dominance—it is about guidance, protection, and mutual respect. When a man chooses to lead with love, he does so with kindness, patience, and a desire to uplift his partner. He recognizes that leadership is not about making all the decisions but rather about being a steady presence when life feels overwhelming.
Leadership in love means being the person who says, “I’ve got this” when their partner is struggling. It means easing the burden, making the phone calls, doing the research, and never once making her feel like she has to face this alone.
What Love Looks Like During Crisis
When I am too overwhelmed to speak, Matt speaks for me. When I can’t stop crying, he holds me. When I feel broken and scared, he reminds me of my strength. He has stepped in and stepped up in every possible way. He’s made me laugh on dark days, picked up dinner when I couldn’t cook, managed the household when I didn’t have the energy, and stayed by my side through every doctor’s appointment and emotional breakdown.
This is what partnership looks like. This is what love in action looks like. And it has made all the difference.
Thoughtful, Everyday Gestures
Love also lives in the little things—the late-night snack runs, the gas tank that’s magically full, the extra blanket on the bed because he knows I’m always cold. Matt brings me my favorite chocolate when I need a pick-me-up, texts me to check in when he knows I’m having a hard day, and tells me I’m beautiful when I feel anything but.
These aren’t grand gestures, but they are the kind that stay with you. They are reminders that I am seen. That I am loved. That even in the midst of a cancer diagnosis, life still holds tenderness and joy.
Why This Kind of Love Matters
In a culture that often glorifies going it alone, it is a profound relief and blessing to have a partner who says, “We are doing this together.” Love that shows up in action matters because it gives you the courage to keep going.
It Creates Emotional Security
Matt has given me a safe space to fall apart, to cry, to question everything. And through it all, I know I am held. That kind of emotional safety isn’t just comforting—it’s healing.
It Deepens the Bond
We’ve always had a strong relationship, but this season has deepened it in ways I didn’t know were possible. There’s a quiet intimacy in fighting through something hard together. It has made me fall in love with him all over again.
It Sets an Example for Our Kids
Our kids are watching. They see their dad showing up for their mom in a time of need. They see what it means to lead with love. And I hope it teaches them what it means to be there for the people you love—with tenderness, commitment, and selflessness.
To Matt, With Love
To my husband: thank you. Thank you for making decisions when I couldn’t. Thank you for holding my hand when I was scared. Thank you for showing up day after day, even when it’s hard. Thank you for being strong when I needed strength and soft when I needed comfort. Thank you for showing me what love really looks like.
Matt, I love you more than words can express. This journey has been the hardest thing we’ve faced, but you’ve made it bearable. Your love has carried me through, and I will never forget that.
Love that is rooted in care, thoughtfulness, and support is the kind of love that lasts. If you are in a relationship where love is given freely and intentionally, hold onto it, nurture it, and express gratitude for it. And if you are still searching for this kind of love, don’t lose hope—because you are worthy of a partnership that lifts you, supports you, and reminds you what it truly means to lead with love.
