Dear Love,

I have been seeking you out in every way I possibly could. I have gotten so hurt over the years with my failed attempts because you never let me know if they are going to fail. You make them look so good each time.

Whether it's the guy I liked in high school taking me out, but never ever physically wanting me. And then I heard he asked and physically wanted another girl... or the guy I talked to for five months every single day—only to ask out one of my best friends... or the guys I met through dating apps that always made it seem like they wanted more when they only wanted one thing.

Or the guy who I gave my whole body to, thinking he really wanted me, but he never did. He just never spoke to me or reached for me again. I felt so naked. So vulnerable. So exposed.

It hurts so much, Love. I don't know why I see you helping everyone else find each other but finding only pain for me. I am growing so much, though. I am learning what I don't like. I am learning the personalities that do not match mine. I am learning what it is I want. I am learning to stick up for myself.

So, I get it. I have never been in love. I have never had someone look at me and know me and want me for all that I am. I have never had that romantic love.

You're just preparing something amazing for me, aren't ya?

But what I am learning too, is all about the Love that you give me in so many other forms.

My family has been so there for me. My whole life! My dad bought me yellow flowers when the guy from high school asked another girl out instead of me. My friends took me out for a surprise breakfast.

Even in my years here in college, I am finding self-love in each situation. When I'm hurt, I have to run back to myself. I have to heal myself. And there my friends are, still always around me. They're ready to drink wine with me, help me feel adored and soon enough, I'm back in the game.

I love every day as I love every moment I am alive. I love and I love and I love and that will never change.

No matter what happens, I having nothing to give but love.

So I'll be waiting, Love. I'll trust that you have something great in store for me.

Thank you for the lessons and the memories and the love you give me in the ways that you can.

Laura