“Alright, go play,” I nod at our 3 year old daughter, Vivienne, once I’m done rubbing sunscreen into her pale skin. You’re finishing up laying our towels down and getting our things out, making sure everything is good for our afternoon on the beach. “Stay close!” I remind Vivi, watching her giggle as she plops down onto the sand a few feet away.

I keep my eyes on her to make she’s close and staying safe, but glance at you briefly. “Need any help, darling?” I ask. We’ve been together for 5 years now, and while we aren’t married, that’s had no effect on our relationship or raising Vivienne together.