What is love?

Is it just a word to say?

Is it a belief I can use just to get my way?

Is it the voice inside your head that says, “Because of me, the verbal abuse is okay."?

So much belittling and guilting, but it’s still begging you to stay?

Is it the smooth deception creeping towards you in the night?

Is it the significant other pressuring you into a corner of discomfort and dissatisfaction?

But, because of love, it’s alright?

Is it pushing you around, leaving you with the smallest fraction of freedom and independence?

Or maybe, just maybe, it’s dropping everything—and I mean everything—for that one person,

Even if it means you abandon the most important things in your life.

No.

Just…no.

Love is kind and patient—never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude.

Love is not selfish or quick to anger.

It does not keep a record of everything you’ve done wrong.

Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil.

Love is always supportive of you, loyal to you, hopeful for the future with you, trusting of you.

Love never fails.

So, because of love, we will not judge each other—we will humbly accept correction

Because of love, we will have open communication—no lies, no secrecy, no deception

Because of love, we want to spend time with each other

But we’re also respective of one another’s space and friendships

Because of love, we are unashamed together

Because of love, we do this life. Together.