Minimalism in a relationship

Greetings everyone! 🙌

The last birthday I celebrated happened some years ago when I was undergoing my 1-year service to my nation, known as National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). During that season, I was in a mini-relationship with a lady. Wondering what a mini-relationship is?
Okay, we were kind of betrothed to date (with little boundaries) for the period of our stay there by the extra organization we committed ourselves to. We really grew fond of each other due to the minimalist lifestyle we had in common, which made me her go-to person anytime she needed advice on how to settle a lot of things, especially financial needs, to avoid reckless spending. Also, she was such person to me.

When my birthday was approaching, there were many ladies around that I could call to help me plan the aspect of food, but I chose her because I knew what she could do.

"What can I cook with a very small amount of money that will satisfy everyone coming?" I threw the question to her, waiting to hear what she would say, meanwhile, I already had a particular food in mind, which youths don't fancy at parties, especially birthday parties.

"Hahahahaha! We cannot cook rice oooo, because even with 100k, you won't be able to provide rice that will sustain 50 people coming to your party," she laughed before giving her warning.

"Yes, I know that, that's why I called you for us to reason together. What food do you suggest?" I asked again.

"Ummmm... I don't know if this will sound cool to you, but can we... can we... can we prepare swallow, I mean Eba?" She stammered, paused, and then laughed before she continued.

My heart gladdened because she just suggested what was in my mind.

"That's what I've had in my mind, but I don't know how the people will welcome the food, as it's not a common thing at young people's parties," although I was joyful, my voice sounded shaky.

"Don't worry, we'll make it well and everyone will love it," she assured me while tapping my shoulder as her way of telling me to follow her lead.

I don't know about others but for me, these are things that capture my heart to love. I love it when my heart is finding peace, settlement in person. Her words of assurance captured my heart totally, my once troubled mine found rest instantly.

We went on to portion everything, and at the end, the price was around $30. I gave her the money and trusted the feeding to her care while I went to tackle other things.

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On the D-day, friends gathered and to my surprise, most of them came with their other indigenous friends whom I didn't invite. At first, I was troubled because I don't like a situation where people will come to my party and don't get a bite of food at the end of the day. So when I reached out to Jane, she told me to calm down because we had a lot to go around.
My love for this lady waxed and increased by 100%. All through the event, I kept stealing glances at how she moved around distributing food with full confidence and a smile on her face.

And the food I thought would not be welcomed by the people was what they all positioned themselves well to feast on while dancing, joking, and hailing me for bringing a stomach-satisfying meal to that fancy regular meal that people eat at birthday parties.

After the event, I invited her for a walk, and I thanked her so much and also used the medium to pour my heart out to her.
Yeah, we were met to have boundaries on our feelings, so we couldn't pushed deeper.

Why all these?
My heart flows very well with someone with same lifestyle as mine. I can't imagine being with someone that doesn't know how to manage resources. It's a No for me.
If I get into a relationship with such person and I find out, I'm surely going away in no distance time.

Thanks for reading.

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_{This is my entry to the #KISS prompt in the MINIMALIST community}

_{Images are mine and Thumbnail designed on Canva}