If someone asked me what the definition of love is, I don't think I would have an answer for them. For me, love is complicated and everchanging. Love is different in terms of family, spouses, friends, etc. I know very little, but I do know that real love is pure and unwavering.
I didn't come from a home full of love. I've struggled to receive love, and honestly, I've struggled to give love as well. Living with you has allowed me to learn so much - what with you being a conditioned junior and me a scrawny freshman. The biggest thing I've learned from you is what real love is.
You taught me that words are more than they appear. On days when I was struggling, you never fail to make me feel better by writing me a note or sending me a text to make sure I'm loved.
You taught me that actions speak loud. For instance, I know you don't particularly like hugs, but I'm forever grateful you never turn one down from me.
You taught me that giving and receiving gifts isn't horrible. I can't even count how many times you've bought me things - from flowers to dinner to movie tickets - and I'll never be able to repay you. You don't expect me to, though. It's just what you do to show love, and it's changed my view on love and worldly transactions.
You taught me there are so many different ways to love someone, even more than those I listed above.
I can clearly remember the night when I finally understood what it means to love someone. "I love you" finally clicked one night not long ago when I was saying goodnight as I always do. I belatedly realized that you truly love me. Sometimes, I think the phrase is overused. Sometimes, I wonder if our suite overuses the phrase. Do we really love each other? Can we really love each other? We didn't know each other before this last semester, but after one week of co-living, we were and still are the best of friends.
I'm still not entirely sure why I'm writing this. I'm not sure if I want you to read this someday, or if I never want you to know I wrote this for you. Either way, you, my dear friend, are the reason I love those around me the way that I do. Thank you for teaching me, thank you for rolling with the punches (literally), and especially, thank you for loving me.
- B
