Many people are under the wrong impression about what love really is. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines love as "a feeling of strong or constant affection for a person" in a sexual or romantic way. There are a lot of interpretations of this word and it has adapted in many ways. The following is a list of what I believe love really is and isn't.
Love IS:
- A MUTUAL relationship
- Honesty and trust (two things that MUST come together).
- Not always going to be all sunshine and rainbows. There are going to be ups and downs.
- Supporting each other through big decisions.
- Overcoming obstacles together.
- Accepting each other with all of their failures, bad habits, flaws, and imperfections.
- Sometimes a lot of work, but is more than worth it.
- Understanding and respecting each other's time and schedules.
- A promise not to cheat or keep/spoil secrets.
- Feeling completely comfortable in each other's arms.
- Spending time together.
- A thing that happens to everyone.
- Unplanned/unexpected
- A feeling you get that grows from your heart and spreads throughout your body.
- Effortless.
- A sacrifice.
- Forgiving the things your partner has done wrong.
- Putting someone else's needs above your own.
- Caring for someone in sickness and health.
Love is NOT:
- Specific to gender, race, or age.
- Specific to a romantic/sexual relationship (you can love your friends and family too!!).
- A relationship strictly run by texting back and forth.
- A possession (you do not OWN the person you love).
- About how much/how many times you say "I love you" or how many times you are able to show it.
- Lust: the wish or need for someone sexually.
- A feeling where either partner is unsure of the other's honesty in the relationship. There should be no fear or thought of cheating.
- Something to be avoided or denied.
- Something that easily fails.
- Something that can be planned.
- Self-seeking.
- Something that can be forced.
- Always being right.
