You seem nice in theory... no, better than nice. Practically perfect. Everything about you is enrapturing and the movies you star in, well, they can leave me starry-eyed for days. For authors, you are a novel idea. For poets, you are an endless muse. You've stolen the heart of every lady, five to 85. Boys try to use you to their advantage and many times, it works.

But romance, have you ever made a relationship last? I know they say to keep you alive, but can you keep two people smitten forever? That's a grueling feat, and cunning as you may be, I'm afraid you can't be the glue.

There is something to be said for a Coke with two straws and cuddling up on the couch to watch an old Disney classic. There is significance in him holding the door for her while she holds on to his hoodie. Intertwined fingers must feel like a trip to the moon and back, and forehead kisses like a voyage around the world.

But romance, you're not love. You don't rip up divorce papers and toss them like confetti. You don't wait years for your best friend to figure out they like-like you too. You don't welcome a mess of a person with open arms knowing you will get nothing in return. You aren't always patient, you aren't always kind. But ya know what?

Love is. Because Love is not a feeling. Love is a Being. He is the definition of true commitment. And He died for you and for me on the cross. 1 John 4:19 says, "We love because He first loved us." Love is when the Son of God is living in you and working through you... only then are you capable of truly loving someone.

So, yeah, Romance. You're fun to have around and the butterflies you bring make us feel like we can fly. But when life keeps kicking us when we're down, we don't need you to pick us up. After a day from the bad place, we don't run to you. We run to Love.

Sincerely,

A girl who knows the difference