because both like to leave each other some room fit together well. Still, because their way of tying things up blends talking now with taking time to cool off takes a little more effort.

There are mornings when affection passes between them but their signals still miss each other. The same feeling arrives as words on some days and as care on others.

because their way of showing care blends words and thoughtful acts takes a little more effort.

A clock that moves as soon as feelings are certain hangs beside one that moves only as far as things have been confirmed. Even over the same decision, “Let's go now” and “Let's give it a little more time” can sit side by side in one evening.

because their pace blends bold steps with steps taken after checking in takes a little more effort.

“Let's talk now” and “Let's talk after we sleep” come up on the same night. Many couples first say which day they will come back to it, then spend that night on their own.

Even with the same destination in mind, the dates written into their planners often come out differently. Some boxes are marked for this season, others for next year.

Even if their sense of closeness or timing for tying things up differs a little, they learn each other's rhythm quickly. After a few months together, a pattern for each day of the week takes shape.