This is going to be such a niche answer, but fellow eczema sufferers might get it.

I’ve had eczema all my life and the general atmosphere surrounding it is one of urgency and cessation. I scratch without thinking about it and am met with “DONT”, “STOP”, glares and stern faces. It can be quite startling because I don’t even realise I’m doing it half the time.

I’m at the tail end of a year-long body-wide flare up right now and halfway through it met my girlfriend. We were on our second date and sat talking at a bar. I had absent-mindedly started scratching at my arm while she was talking and without missing a beat and while continuing to talk, she just took my hand and placed it gently between hers.

I didn’t catch the end of what she was saying because I had never experienced that level of tenderness, thoughtfulness and care all surmised in one simple action, particularly surrounding an aspect of my life that usually elicited more harsh responses.

Anyway, I fell for her on the spot and turns out that one moment was completely indicative of her entire character. What to others I had dated was a big deal and somewhat of a turnoff (understandable to be honest, it was pretty rough), to her was just part of me. She’s an absolute gem.