Yesterday afternoon was the time of my annual physical exam.  It proceeded with remarkable ease: Sara, my long-time primary care physician, began on time and carried out the usual checks on my unclothed body with more than usual speed.  At the conclusion, she expressed much satisfaction with my health. She thinks me in fine condition for my age.

As the session approached an end, Sara extended her hand toward me. I then proceeded to kiss that hand. She then surprised me by kissing my hand in return.  This exchange seemed to me an expression of the good feeling we feel toward one another.  And this seems to me an ideal shared relationship.