Love is, a powerful word-emotion that one can possess and hold in their hearts.

That word, love.

What is love? What is its meaning? When your eyes lock with that special person, your heart beats faster, your stomach feels as if it's floating, your mind is racing-you're smiling when you think of them. Falling in love, perhaps that's a more specific term to describe that one such, adrenaline inducing feeling.

But, what else can love mean? Love can be something so beautiful, unreal, perfect-- as it can be dangerous. Some of us have been in and out of love, some of us have seen love as a family view, as some of us see love for its every shape and form. Strangely enough, love doesn't just lie behind one specific meaning-falling in love. Now, not all of us see love with that one meaning, at least I never have.

My article this week will explain my own different definitions of the strong word — 'Love.' As it will morph into how men/women; boys/girls should be able to have a healthy, loving friendship without actually falling in love. I know, weird, right? Love can be phrased any which way, about one person — every person your life, as well as family.

Other than, falling in love- as well as falling out of love. There is a love that can be defined as a 'friendly love.' Here, I'll explain:

Friends, we love the friends we have-I love the ones in my life. As I may not say it constantly, but enough to let them know.

'Hey, I love you.'

'I'm here for you.'

'Be safe today/(tonight).'

'You can call me.'

'Where are you? Are you okay?'

'Vent to me, I'll listen.'

Reminding them they mean the world to me, even with the simplistic of responses or texts. For my perspective, it's harder to tell my guy friends I love them than it is to tell my girl friends. Usually, the fear I have of telling them this would be anybody who can push an input into it.

'Oh, you're obviously in love with them if you tell them you love them.'

'You can't say that unless you like them!'

'That's weird, also don't you have a boyfriend?'

No, that's why I said that. My reason for telling one I love them, is to either comfort them when a hard patch has overcome them, or just too kindly remind them. If I told them I was in love with them, then-alright you got me there. Can't fight back with that, but that's not what my words said. Love, in my eyes, can have a different shape as well as meaning — for every person in your life. For every person in my life, I love them for being themselves, for being my family-loving me for who I am. As for friends, I love each one of them for something we share. The moments we create and the spark in each one's eye or words when we speak of something we are so passionate about.

Love can be specific, may it be for each person or all. When a boy and girl tell one another they love each other, the reason behind that word can be any shape or form. That can be up for debate, but that is for nobody's concern but theirs. May that person be like family to the other or just someone they genuinely care for in their life and needed a reminder. Someone's definition of love to another is theirs to hold, assumptions between others should never affect it.

(I mean, unless they're cheating-then by all means that's up to breaking into. I'm just saying in perspective of being close friends or family.)

Anyways,

Love has taught me many lessons, the lesson of learning how to love, to let go, to grow strength, as to trust. Painful or not, to love someone with passion, with the memories, the connection you two share, anything that appears within that bond. The many shapes and forms love holds between its hands--- as you walk onto them, being carried through these shapes as with forms. Some will sting, as some will become a blessing. You are never too certain what or who will cross your path- in this ever long adventure we all life, to teach you love's every shape and form.

Me? Well, I couldn't explain her every formation or shape, as it changes for me and everyone else who encounters her.

Love is scary, the trust she holds as with the heart-wrenching, bittersweet moments to the most beautiful moments, all of this comes as a surprise from her hands.

Love is only defined by you,

for the people in your life and how you allow her to show these forms of love.

Before I close, I would like to write a short letter to my family, as well as my friends.

My Family,

Through the ups and downs, the single to triple rough patches-my love for you all will never cease. I love you, as you watched me grow up-whether it be in person or far away. Your words of encouragement and push to chase my dreams, as you cherished the talents I embraced. Thank you, for being a family full of the most beautiful power-strength that forever exceeded my eyes. Teary eyes and smiling I write this, the moments we all share, the flourishing moments as we help each other grow and blossom with every waking moment may it be a phone call, text, post or words from your heart. I love every single one of you, I could never explain the love I hold in my heart. The lesson you taught me all throughout life, hardships, trust, tough love, how to love, speak my mind and never let anyone tear down the goals/dreams I hold for myself in the future. Thank you for influencing me to open my mind and soul to this beautiful area we create in such a dark world. I love you, thank you for helping me embrace who I am.

My Friends,

Through thick and thin as one may say, As we all began to follow our own paths. The awkward lingering silence from lack of communication for whatever the reason may have been, as to only break that silence and see each other once again as if we haven't seen each other in years. I love you, each one of you for your own creation you put into my life. Through the hardships, arguments, bitter silence, hurt feelings, embarrassing moments, laughs, smiles, and the 1 a.m. conversations in the car down by the parking lot or in the streets, as we dove into deep thoughts and talking about our futures. Thank you, you've all taught me something — as for one thing in particular, trust. You had me laugh till my stomach hurt, cry on your shoulder, listen to my open rants, hear me vent, show me happiness, play rebel for a day, let me open up about my feelings, and listen to me. Friends are so rare to have, as with a friendship that can go silent for months on end but still find a way to see each other and talk again--that's impossible. It takes dedication and a true love of friendship to keep that connection. Teaching me about tough love and honesty, as I learned from my family, thank you. And if I don't say it enough, I love you guys with every ounce of love I can hold, all with different meanings for each one of you. Thank you for showing me how to live my life with not a care in the world, to breathe for a day and witness the happiness and fun life does hold for me. I care and appreciate all of you so much, thank you-I love you.

Strength, care, friendship, family (may it be blood-related or not), whoever they may be and their spark in your life that creates your relationship with them. Cherish every second, may it only be a text, phone call, a couple words-moments can be created by the smallest things. Tell them you love them, whether it be through different words or just saying 'I love you,' right out. Never fear to let them know you love them, one word can go miles for someone. The absolute strength of love is forever surrounding us, surrounding the friends and family we all hold close to us.