Dictionary.com defines it as, "aprofoundlytender,passionateaffectionforanotherperson," but let's be honest, does that really describe the noun, adjective, and verb that is love?

I think this is a big ol' negatory, good buddy, but the dictionary isn't the only entity trying to take a stab at defining this age old concept. Victor Hugo, Bruce Lee, Audrey Hepburn, Martin Luther King Jr., Confucius, and even the Apostle Paul have taken a stab at it. Songs have been composed, poems have been written, tears have been shed, vows have been made, the list goes on and on.

And who can really blame us for doing all this? Love is that one mystical secret that no one ever quite discovers, so we all just run around and think we know what we're talking about (as humans tend to do). We don't like to admit we're in the dark, so we make these grand metaphors and write gorgeous sonnets and melodies trying to capture what love truly is.

As cliche as it all is, love is wonderful and deserves to be chronicled as it is. So, at the risk of seeming super stereotypical and sappy, I'd like to share what this thing we're all so obsessed with is to me.

Love is. . .

the smell of brewed coffee.

the moment after I lay down in bed after a long day.

my hair being tucked behind my ear.

walking at night with slow music playing.

endless back scratches.

a prolonged hug.

watching lightning from my porch.

brown eyes mixed with a stupid grin.

food at midnight.

laughing and crying at the same time.

rainy days.

the smell of old books.

feeling needed.

randomly complimenting someone.

the smell of pine trees and rivers.

pregame marching with the Marching Jayhawks.

finishing a novel for the first time.

spontaneously slow dancing.

a long, heated debate.

walking in heels that are a little too high.

mastering something new.

a kiss on the forehead.

a colorful bouquet of flowers.

having hair that curls just right.

pep talks with swear words.

the right color of lipstick.

listening to music so loud that thought is nearly impossible.

a white Christmas.

unconventional dinner conversation.

an airplane taking off.

a mountaintop view.

a home-cooked meal.

driving in the rain.

singing a slightly off-key duet.

getting a haircut and styled.

listening to other people talk about love.

hearing a really bad joke.

lots and lots of blankets. (38)

eating chocolate while watching a romantic movie.

writing a well-thought research paper.

sleeping past noon.

coffee with hazelnut creamer.

birthday candles.

star-gazing on a fall night.

slowly walking through a museum/gallery.

a long bubble bath.

a freshly-made bed.

watching a movie in theaters.

walking through a flower garden.

listening to music in the dark.

Now...what is love to you?