10 Things I Love About You

Why hate when you can love?

It is a rare occasion in which we can celebrate love. It is something that’s on our minds 24/7, but we rarely take a minute to stop and admire it. Ready or not, February 14 is rapidly approaching. The one day of the year when it seems chocolate hearts and roses are raining from the sky is almost here. Even if you don’t have a special someone to indulge in the holiday with, it is no reason not to celebrate. Go out there and love life.

Love finds us in many ways. It can start from the most unlikely places, suddenly growing and taking us by surprise. Between the guy you went home with last weekend and the cute boy that sits behind you in Econ, it is hard to say if love or lust is the common denominator. Whatever it may be, sometimes figuring it out is as easy as being open to letting people in. Open to friendship, lust, love, and anything in between. Although it might be true that by not letting people into your heart you can’t get hurt, you can’t fall in love that way either.

Whether we’re talking about it, crying about it, or doing it – as The Troggs put so eloquently - love is all around. It is hard to imagine getting through a day without it, may it be found in a hug or a friendly smile. We show our affection for others in many ways, big and small. Maybe love for you is waking up to your boyfriend making you banana pancakes in the morning. For others it could be found in the best friend you can always rely on to go out and dance on tables with. For many of us it’s the absolute and unrestricted love of our family, that kind of affection that will stand by us without question. Love could be the beginning stages of a crush you have on that gorgeous guy in your lit class - the one who stopped to help after you dropped all of your books like an idiot. Or maybe it’s the person you can count on every weekend to pick you up off the floor and carry you home at 4 am.

Often we overlook those we love. It is easy to take for granted the people who consistently care for us. Everyone is guilty of it. Sometimes it’s necessary to take a step back and realize that if mistreated, these people might not stick around. Not all love is unconditional.

Whoever you are, you know who you love even if you don’t know why. Let those you love know it. If not on Valentines Day, a day when there are a million hallmark greetings just waiting to be shared, then when can you say it?

Ten University of New Hampshire students shared the things they love about the special people in their lives:

1. "I love how we always have the best times when we're together no matter where we are." - Emmie Katz
2. “I love how you’re always excited to see me and we just play all day.” – Keely Maguire
3. "I love laughing about everything and nothing with you." - Kerry Horgan
4. “I love how you make elaborate plans about our future together.” – Wesley Dinnan
5. “I love the way you let me be the little spoon even though it’s not the manly thing to do.” – Pat Ready
6. “I love that I can always count on you.” – Dineen Boyle
7. “I love how your smile or laugh can brighten even the gloomiest of days.” – Wes Moseman
8. “I love that nothing else matters when we are together.” – Anne Kennedy
9. “I love that when you kiss me all my worries go away.” – Joey Orlando
10. “I love that no matter how silly we are together, you always make sure to let me know how happy you are with me.” – Allie Bowen