As a kid, I was all about cheese. I layered slice upon slice of American cheese on my sandwiches and grilled cheeses, smothered just about everything I ate in cheese, and even straight up ate shredded cheese out of the bag. I felt like I was destined to be with cheese for the rest of my life, and there was nothing anyone could do to change my mind.

I thought I was at the top of my game and there was nothing that could ruin it for me.

Then I grew up.

You know how sometimes when you grow up, your stomach gets kinda weak and you can't really eat the things you once ate all the time? Yeah, that was me.

I spontaneously became slightly lactose intolerant when I was 19. Of course, it isn't bad at all and it only hurts me every now and then, so I still eat as much dairy as I want and don't limit myself, but I now no longer have the same love for cheese that I had when I was younger. Though my relationship with most different cheeses has reached its end, I will never give up my love for mozzarella cheese.

Mozzarella will always hold a very special place in my heart, regardless of how I feel about other cheeses. I watched a Buzzfeed Tasty video where the staff made their own mozzarella and lemme tell you, it was beautiful. They had to go out and buy special ingredients and had to make it about five different times before they got it right. It was a long journey from milk to cheese, but the result was worth it, and seeing that video has done nothing but strengthened my love for the Italian cheese.

As often as it's been on my mind recently, I knew I wanted to express my love for mozzarella. I knew no better way to do it than to look at gifs and compile them together into one place. So with no further ado, I present you with 11 of my favorite gifs of mozzarella cheese:

1. Everyone's favorite way to eat mozzarella

Would you eat six clumps of mozzarella, one after another in the span of 30 minutes? No? Okay, what if they were breaded and deep fried, and then served with a tomato paste?

2. I'm not sure why, but I think they look so cute here

They're like little balls of pure happiness.

3. I love watching someone make mozzarella

The way they stretch out the cheese is so hypnotizing!

4. You know it's good mozzarella when it pops like a water balloon

Yeah, it's kinda gross and a little unnecessary, but it's always a good sign of good cheese.

5. The cut

There's nothing more rewarding of a job well done than the first cut into a fresh ball of mozzarella. A lot of hard work goes into making it, and seeing the result in front of you is a beautiful thing.

6. So nice, you had to see it twice

Everyone loves mozzarella sticks! Just look at that pull!

7. I don't think this is mozzarella

Hey, I didn't say I was an expert. I don't think this is mozzarella, but I'll take it!

8. The correct way to eat string cheese

I despise those who just take bites out of cheese like this. It isn't funny, so please don't do it.

9. Actually, hold up

I definitely think this might be everyone's favorite way to eat mozzarella. I was wrong before, but I'm willing to correct myself.

10. Mozz in its freshest state

This is so beautiful. I could honestly cry.

11. Mozzarella sandwich

And last but certainly not least, I give you the mozzarella grilled cheese. You may applaud.

And there you have it! I love mozzarella so much that I gathered my favorite cheesy gifs and wrote about it. I hope this helps someone get through a hard time, lactose intolerant or not. I love sharing my favorite things with other people, so I can only hope for the best when it comes to cheese.