The word ‘love.’ What does it really mean? Merriam-Webster defines love as: 1. Strong affection for another rising out of kinship or personal lies. 2. Attraction based on sexual desire. And 3. Affection based on admiration. However, is that what people really think it means? Probably not- I mean, they might have an idea close to that definition but not exactly. Love is different for everyone; people think completely different things when they hear the word love. People visualize and think of millions of different things.

So as a sort of experiment I went around asking people that I would occasionally run into: “What is the first thing that you think of when you hear the word ‘love?’” and this is what they said:

“War” - Katryna, 20

“Valentines” - Leah, 19

“Relationships” - Shannon, 20

“Tyler” - Sadie, 19

“Music” - Humberto, 20

“My current crush” - Larsa, 21

“Enduring” - Julian, 19

“Unconditional” - unknown

“Potato” - Allison, 20

“Heart” - Brandon, 19

“Honest” - Brad, 22

“Family” - Brianna, 20

“Unselfishness” - Daniel, 20

“Intense Sex” – Anonymous, 20

“Noah” - Madison, 19

“Her” - Noah, 19

“My mom” - Esteban, 18

“Hate” – Lily, 19

“Jesus” – Sarah, 21

“Acceptance” – Ellie, 21

I was surprised. As I looked at the ages of these people I asked, for a second I had hope that this generation was not as screwed as I thought. I found it rather interesting that the people who said things such as “Honest,” “Unconditional,” “Enduring,” and “Unselfishness,” were males. Now, this is by no means a sexist thing, but women are always complaining that guys are “dogs” and only looking for one thing.

Even though this isn’t a nationwide survey, there is a hint of hope that not every male out there is a “dog” or looking to have a one-night stand. There are people out there who do not just think of sex when they hear the word ‘love.’ Chances are that those who do are mistaking the word for ‘Lust.’

Lust is more of a physical attraction that often gets confused with love.

Two different concepts, with two entirely different meanings.

Let's trace back to my trusty friend, Merriam-Webster, ‘Lust’ is defined as a “Usually intense or unbridled sexual desire”. More often than not, I think, people get wrapped up in lust that they believe what they have with another person is love. That intense feeling of wanting to always be with someone but then it only resulting in sex. Yeah, that’s lust. It may feel like love, but really, if you cant keep up a conversation with them for more than twenty minutes without any sort of physical contact- chances are you’re in lust and not in love.

If the other person bores you with their endless stories about what happened in class or if being with them outside of the bedroom feels like a drag, and their smile doesn’t completely melt your heart then my dear, it’s a crappy case of lust that you have on your hands.

We live in a generation where people no longer value having an actual relationship; the thought of feeling the entire zoo in your belly is scary as hell and a complete “no-no” for most. So what is it? Are you guys scared to get hurt so you prefer to just sleep around?

We have lost the value and meaning of ‘Love.’

I failed to ask myself what I thought about when I heard the word love. To be completely honest and open with you guys, I don’t think of anything specific. I think of a million little things: Hearts and Flowers, Pizza, family, friends,heartbreak and fear.