“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
–1 Corinthians 13:4-8
This verse is something everyone needs to read. "Love" is a very powerful word. It is a very powerful thing as well, and most people I know would describe it as a feeling when caring for someone deeply. It is much more than that though and sometimes is even hard to express into words. These days, the idea of love is plastered everywhere and is taken in so many different ways. Sadly, its importance has been demeaned by society so much to the point where “love” is sometimes just used so carelessly when it shouldn’t be. It's almost as if the true meaning is lost somewhere. It seems as though people associate love with different things throughout certain points in their lives. Maybe to some people it's related to companionship or happiness and to others it's attraction or maybe even pain. But I think love is so many different things and can't be described with just one word. I'm sure those people who say "you don't know what love even is" have it all figured out, right? Truth is, I don't think anyone does. I think it means different things to different people for different reasons and that's understandable considering not everyone lives the same exact life. Even though I’m young, I have learned from a few life lessons that have opened my eyes to what I truly believe love is and a new outlook on what a good relationship takes. I still have a long way to go and a lot more to learn but any relationship that I may have from this point forward, I will keep these things in mind and apply them in hopes for it be everlasting.
It is never easy or perfect
Loving someone comes with a million different emotions. There are always ups and downs in relationships and sometimes it is not always easy. Love is work and has to be reciprocated from both ends in order for it to be successful. Knowing that person is there for you and you are there for them, during the lowest of lows, is something that shows how much love is actually there for one another.
Don’t be narrow-minded
Being able to see both sides to things is so important. Love is a give and take thing. One person can’t be right all the time and odds are, they aren’t. Knowing when to admit you are wrong and apologize in certain situations is so much better than losing the relationship over it. If keeping that person is worth it to you, then at least agree to disagree and move past it. Allowing your partner to influence you sometimes can be difficult but it is important. They have their own opinions, beliefs, and advice. You should hear them out and they should do the same for you.
Always be open about your feelings
Love is about being understanding and aware of what is going on with the other person. Always be willing to listen and to talk about anything that you feel is necessary. You should never have fear of their reaction to anything you want to express to them.
Don’t dwell on the past, learn to forgive, give comfort
The past is the past and it shouldn’t affect how the future unfolds. Everyone will make mistakes or screw up. The most important thing is being aware of the mistake, making sure it will never be made again, and then becoming a better person from it. Truly forgiving is something so crucial in a relationship. It shows that we still see their self worth and value even though they might not even see it themselves. Pray for them and always be rooting for them. No one is perfect but love is being able to grow and accept a person for all their flaws and help them become the best version of themselves no matter what their struggles might be.
Never lose your individuality
Never lose sight of who you are and have your happiness depend on the other person. Stay true to the things you want in life and don't ever sacrifice them. Always love yourself and know you are worth so much. Do things you enjoyed before that person came along. Hang out with your friends. Maintain your relationship with your family. Have some alone time. Don’t ever feel like you need someone to be happy because you don’t. Having someone is a bonus and should make your life even better than it already was!
Make an effort all the time
This is something that I think is so important that I admit to not always doing. Sometimes getting into a routine happens in relationships. Being comfortable is good but put in the same effort as you did in the beginning. Winning their heart every day will keep them around and show them how much you love them. Don’t take anything for granted and always tell them what they mean to you. Be thankful for what they do for you and they should be thankful for everything you do for them. Do it not to simply get back something from that person but because you would do anything for them.
Be each other’s person
When something happens during your day, who is the first person you want to tell? Who is the person you want to experience all of life’s most precious moments with? Who is the person you want to have fun with, laugh with, talk with, cry with? Who is the person you always want to be there for and never give up on? Loving someone is an amazing feeling and it’s even better when that person is your best friend.
Respect each other and be patient
Always think about the other person and how your actions or words will affect their feelings. Never make them feel bad about themselves even if they are in the wrong. When you love someone, you don’t ever want to be the reason for the pain, and if you are, do whatever is necessary to fix the problem. Resolve conflict fairly. Everyone will fight and have disagreements but how the issues are handled is what is important.
Give space when needed
Sometimes people want their space and they should be given it. It might be hard at first but don’t smother them. If they want to talk to you or see you, they will. If they really love you, they will come around.
Love is never temporary
I think when you truly love someone that the feelings don’t just disappear when it is convenient for them to. Love is a deep connection with someone and exists with you like your shadow does. You will look at them and everything falls into place naturally. Just like vows say “for better or for worse”. Both people will remain loving each other through anything and that is what is important. It takes time but once there is love, it should never be easy for it to fade quickly or at all.
Never settle for less than you deserve
No matter how much you love someone, never settle for anything less than what you know you deserve. It takes two people to make a relationship work. If both people want it, it’s possible. Happiness is a choice and choosing to be happy together is love. Just remember everything happens for a reason and if it’s meant to be it will be. Never feel like you are a burden to someone. Never chase someone who doesn’t want you and don’t force love onto someone who doesn’t want it. Sometimes it doesn’t work out and that’s okay. Someone will choose you for everything that you are and love you for everything that you ever were and will be and they deserve the same in return. This bond can’t be broken and I think that is the true meaning of love.
