It's a four letter word that can sometimes either make or break someone's existence; humans depend on it to make themselves hurt or heal. There's so many more reasons than five, but since I don't have that much word space, I'll keep it simple.

1. Love is the key to a happier life.

I know this sounds cheesy already, but if you keep on reading, it will make more sense. To love is to have hope and to have hope is to wake up every single morning with a smile on your face. You don't have to love a person; sometimes that isn't easy. Love what you do, love what you don't. Love the way the rain falls from the sky and makes little puddles. Jump in them. Love the way his eyes hold you to the ground and keep you from sinking under. When you start to see the world through the lens of love, you will become happier.

2. It teaches you that it is okay to hurt, because you will get better.

I'll admit it, sometimes love sucks. Whether you're fighting with your significant other or just not getting anything right in your career, if you give up love then you give up the hope that anything will change. I've been the girl who's settled for only "slightly happy" and trust me, that is not the life someone should live. You should let yourself hurt because when you're hurting, it means it's not the end. I believe that someone's true end is one filled with laughter and, you guessed it, love. So please, live a little. Hurt a little. Cause bruises heal.

Sometimes, we never know what qualities are the most resonant in us until we really want something. Love and passion, that's the key to figuring out how far someone would go for something. Although it is said that letting someone go is the most endearing form of love, I feel as though fighting for it works better. You are capable of great things, and when you finally open up your heart to love, you will realize the beauty of what you can do and who you can be.

4. It also brings out the worst in you.

I know what you're thinking. How could this possibly be a good thing? Well, you'd be surprised. I don't have that much experience with love, but from what I know, I've learned some pretty awful things about myself. As I said earlier, you're willing to do anything for love; sometimes that comes at a price. You begin to access the darkest parts of yourself; the lengths you'd go to in order to obtain what you want in life. And then, if you're willing enough, you change. It's okay to be a little bit dark, but it's not okay to hurt others with it. Love can change you, thaw your icicle heart or bring in a light that you never even knew was there.

5. You learn to accept yourself.

I never used to believe it; I'm still skeptical about marriage and children, but I know in my heart that one day I'll find that person that makes me change my mind. Never stop believing in love because the moment that that happens, you stop believing in you. You're the most important person in the world, and that should never change. Never let love turn into something that is broken and twisted and hurtful because that's not love anymore. Love helps you push out your deepest and innermost insecurities and you start to take chances. Acceptance is the first step into happiness, and love can take you there.

So give it a chance.