Love (luv); noun; an intense feeling of deep affection

That is the book definition of love; however, I have a different definition.

I am only 20 years old; I have loved and been loved. I am young and can barely even consider myself as an "adult" and some may think I am "too young" to know much on this subject; so let it be known, I am no expert but I do feel I have been on this earth long enough to know what love is based on my previous and current relationships. Love can be scary, it is walking on a 20 foot tall wall with no help but balance. But in the instance that it consists of these characteristics, it is worth the adrenaline rush. You will feel as though you are on top of the world.

It can be hard to distinguish between love and lust, so lets be clear on what the two are. Lust is a very strong sexual desire; key words being sexual desire. And love is...

Love is patient. (hear me out on this one momma)

These 3 words are repeated numerous times in scripture at different events. Having patience is the ability to wait (and sometimes wait, wait and wait some more) without getting annoyed or anxious. When your love is patient, you do not become hasty or irrational, you instead remain understanding and calm. It is waiting on the storm to pass without getting afraid of how loud the thunder is. It is waiting for your teenage daughter to outgrow her attitude. It is keeping peace while enduring pain.

In realistic terms, it is waiting on your loved ones to overcome certain obstacles or habits without becoming agitated and walking away. It is giving them those extra chances, because after all everyone does deserve a second chance in some shape, form or fashion. It means you never giving up on them, ever.

As a young lover, I have had my heart broken by someone giving up on me; however, if its true love (yes - it does exist) you will never give up. You remain patient at all costs.

Love is kind.

The world is corrupt; it has a lot of evil, envious people who will try to disturb your peace ultimately making you become angry. Love is handling each situation or argument with grace. It is dusting your partner off when they fall. It is wiping their tears when times get hard. It is loving every phase and mood that they hold. It is being accepting; when you choose to love someone, you accept their past and even their flaws.

Love is trust.

A relationship cannot be formed without trust; and if it is, it will not last. It is the foundation of any long lasting relationship. It is not only very crucial to trust your partner, but you must also trust yourself. True love can have an affect on you, making you vulnerable without fear. Trust is believing in the words that escape from their mouth, as much as you believe the words that come out of your own. It is believing all the "i love you"s exchanged are accurate. At my age, it is having confidence they will remain true to you when temptation is on the line.

Love is selflessness.

We can only experience love when we have something given in return. To be loved, you must love. In a relationship, you no longer think of just yourself. It is putting their desires before your own or at least finding a common ground. It is caring about their emotions and helping them overcome their fears. It is being by their side through the highs and lows. It is aiding them in accomplishing their goals and dreams. It is bringing something to the table. It is having their back when times get hard. It is standing up for them when their enemy is attacking.

To be honest, I struggle with this one. It can be hard to put someone before yourself sometimes, handling others problems when you have some of your own. It isn't meant to be easy, but if you love someone, it is no longer a barrier but a desire of your own to see them happy and content. It is not always just jumping puddles, but crossing oceans.

Love is growth.

Everything needs to grow in order to survive; animals, plants, we as humans, etc. Not only growth within the two of you on a affectionate level, but spiritually as well as personal growth. Growth is a natural process, we grow everyday. You evolve each day, gaining new knowledge that will help you advance your perspectives. Love grows together. It is becoming one. It is encouraging one another. It is pointing out out the good in the midst of the bad. It is learning to dance in the rain. Growing older is inevitable; help one another grow closer to God, grow closer to one another, and grow closer to your goals.

As much as I hate to admit it, I have attachment issues (in a good way tho). When I begin to love someone, I want to be with that person all the time; ultimately allowing growth to occur.

Sometimes, as grow older, two lovers may become different people leading to the two of you not being compatible with one another. But when you find that person that pushes you to be the best you, keep them around because that is true love.

Overall, if you decide to love someone; surrender you heart. Remove all the guards you have put up. Love is not meant to be safe and it definitely cannot be measured. Love completely. Love irrationally, jump into it fearlessly, considering no consequences. Love specifically, pay attention the their feats and goals. Notice the small details within the big picture. Love unconditionally, love them on their best days and even more on their worst days. There will be days you don't necessarily like them but the love must remain constant.

And when you do find someone you love with all these characteristics, do yourself a favor, and keep them close. This type of love is rare and special. Fight for them, take care of them, love them completely.