I love love; I always have. I’ve grown up reading countless love stories and watching thousands of romance movies dreaming that I would eventually find “the one” one day. In my short 19 years of life, I’ve never experienced anything remotely close to the head over heels love I grew up hearing so much about. I came to college with the high hopes that I would find my Prince Charming and live happily ever after. Having only spent one year on campus, I have yet to find him, but the type of love I needed most found me. I met a group of friends who opened my mind and heart to a new form of love that I’ve never read about before.
They taught me that love is not defined by a dozen roses or a passionate kiss in the rain you share with one person, but rather the wholesome moments you have that prove they will be there for you when you need it most. They showed me that love is racing to the sink so I don’t have to wash the dishes again or taking my contacts out when my hands are burning from jalapeños. It’s looking up all the ingredients in a dish to be sure I can eat it or giving me a six-pack from all the jokes and laughter we share. By simply opening their hearts, they proved to me that I don’t need Prince Charming to feel loved. Love doesn’t have to be romantic; it just has to be real.
It may be hard to accept that no one is getting ready to go on a date with you at this very moment, but there are so many different forms of love right in front of you. The type of love you need most will find you at the right time, and it will change your life. It opens your eyes to entirely new perspectives and makes you want to be a better person. It puts an extra hop in your step and helps you wake up ready for the next adventure. Love should make you feel safe and seen. It should keep you grounded and appreciative of all the beautiful things life has to offer. I still believe there is someone for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t experience love at this moment.
Love is not what the movies make it out to be. It comes in many different shapes and forms and hits you when you least expect it. Love is something everyone is worthy of, and it doesn’t all come from one person; it comes from many people who genuinely care about you. It is so much more than what people say it is. Real love is beautiful and cannot be defined by a simple story.