What Is Love

It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.” 
― André Gide, Autumn Leaves

Hello all!

On this lovely Sunday afternoon I just wanted to say hi.

and to word vomit on you for a second.

But just a second.

Okay so I’m writing this research paper on romantic behaviors, romance books, and why it isn’t so bad to read about a pirate, and the woman who he loves. As part of my research I went around asking people questions. Questions varied from what they believed a good relationship is, what they expect from a partner and what they look for in the one. All the answers were pretty much similar except for this one question.

What is the definition of love to you?

I saw a wide range of emotions. I saw confusion, thoughtfulness, embarrassment and even seriousness. But above all, the one answer that stood out to me was by a woman. She said, “Love in unrestrictive, and control free; putting the other person before yourself, and willing to die for the other person.” I don’t know if it was the words, the way she said them, or the expression on her face, but I felt that she had one of the most honest definition of love I have ever heard. As I was asking different people these questions, one person asked me what I thought the definition of love was. I quickly told him that I couldn’t give my answer because it would affect the data but  that wasn’t the truth.

Not at all.

 I felt that sharing my definition would maybe hurt the other person’s feelings because I know that person intimately. If I told them they may have been insulted, or would probably avoid talking to me. As I was walking home I realized that what I did was wrong. I should tell people the truth no matter what they think.

So hear it goes.

My definition of love is trust. Being able to tell a person anything and know they care and have your back. Dependability. Being able to know that no matter the circumstance they will give their all for you. Patience. Knowing that as an individual you may have issues but they are patient enough to wait. That is my definition of love. Until I find those traits then I will stay happily single. I will travel, journal, and beat to my own drum until that person crosses my path.