Love, As We Know It

In a world where love has been both monetized and sexualized, most of us don’t know what real love feels like. When I think back, it seems as though things took a bad turn. We suddenly went from the days where we knew that love was genuine to now where we know not what real love looks like- just our own perspective or thoughts on what it should look and feel like.

I wouldn’t say I haven’t experienced love, I have and I would continue to because the love some people such as my family and friends have for me cannot be sexualized or bought as i would like to think. But then again, you never know with people- I would however take my chances with these people whom I love with all my heart. I’ve experienced love that has filled my heart with warmed and I’ve equally experienced love that was bitter- so bitter I had to throw it out. This is to say, everyone has his own definition of love and what they know and are used to is what they give others.

If I was asked to define love, on the surface I’d say love is peace amidst the chaos, love is home, where your nervous system feels calm, love is clarity, love is support and all the beautiful things you can think about. If you ask me again what love is, I’d say love is the one that is there for you even on the days you don’t recognize yourself, love is the one that supports you and cheers you on even when you fail so many times, love is the one that stands by your side when the world is against you , love isn’t always a feeling, it’s a presence.

I have experienced love both romantic and platonic and if there is something I took away, it is that people will love you the same way you love yourself. You can never show love to others or receive love when you don’t know how to love yourself. The first step to loving is to love yourself for who and what you are. Love the ugly and beautiful sides of who are you and the world would love and embrace you just as you are.

Love goes beyond what the eyes can see and what the heart can feel. Love is actions and thoughts in your favor even in your absence. Love is whatever you want it to be.

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all images belong to me.

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