L.O.V.E. A Definition

My cousin Elena is an inspiration to me, and maybe one of these days I'll be able to tell her just how big of one she is. She recently brought to my attention the word, "love" and how society has basically raped its true definition, how people these days don't really understand what love really is, and how they toss the word around without any understanding of it at all.

So many people these days believe that love is simple and easy and without conflict. I feel sorry for these people, because if thats what they believe love is, then they are missing out on the full effect of love and are only experiencing its outer shell at the most. These are probably the same people that believe that you "fall" into love...that its uncontrollable...fate. I don't agree.

To me, love is a choice. Despite what your family may tell you, you don't actually have to love them...you choose to love them. I believe this is the same of romantic love. It isn't random, it doesn't just happen, you CHOOSE to love that person. It's a conscious decision to let your guard down and let someone in, to trust them as you trust few or no other people. You can choose wrong...but you hope to hell that you haven't.

Furthermore, love is not easy. Sometimes love is the hardest thing of all. I think if love is easy, then you're doing it wrong. There are going to be times when you want out, when you're insecure, when you're not sure where its heading. Times when you're beat down and tired and want to give up. It's at these times that you have to make the choice to continue in love. Many don't...many fail...because, unfortunately for them, they bought into the "love is easy" propaganda and weren't prepared for its actuality.

Love is the most amazing choice you can make, the best feeling in the world, but in order to achieve its greatness, you have to experience love in all of its aspects. It's worth it, in the end, if you're willing to dedicate yourself to it.