Love:
Such a strong emotion that we all yearn for and strive for in our lives. Webster Dictionary Defines love as,
"Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English lufu; akin to Old High German luba love, Old English lēof dear, Latin lubēre, libēre to please
Date: before 12th century
1 a (1) : strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties
(2) : attraction based on sexual desire : affection and tenderness felt by lovers (3) : affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests b : an assurance of love
2 : warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion
3 a : the object of attachment, devotion, or admiration b (1) : a beloved person : darling —often used as a term of endearment (2) British —used as an informal term of address
4 a : unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another: as (1) : the fatherly concern of God for humankind (2) : brotherly concern for others b : a person's adoration of God
5 : a god or personification of love
6 : an amorous episode : love affair
7 : the sexual embrace : copulation
8 : a score of zero (as in tennis)
9 capitalized Christian Science : god
— at love : holding one's opponent scoreless in tennis
— in love : inspired by affection"
(I had to get technical didn't I)
Some people go their whole lives searching for it and never find it while others find it and foolishly let it slip through their hands.
The road to love, for myself, hasn't been an easy one. It's been a learning experience with ups and downs but now I am more than thrilled to say I truly have found it. I was one of those that was about to foolishly let it slip through my hands but fortunately I've grown over the past few months and mistakes shall not, will not repeat themselves.
Eric and I met almost three years ago through a mutual friend of ours. I was just coming out of a nasty relationship and well Eric was there unsure if he should give me a chance due to that very fact. Looking back to November 2010 I'm very lucky we both took a chance. I knew and still know he's special, no not in a he rides the short yellow bus type of way, but kind, smart, and loving.
We've had our bumps in the road, as every relationship has, and we've had amazing times together. I can honestly say he's the only guy that puts a smile on my day everyday, whether if it's a text message saying "I miss you! Mucho Mucho" or "I can't wait to see you tomorrow". You could technically say we have a long distance relationship since Eric lives in Whittier and I live in Pacoima, and according to googmaps.com, that is precisely 37.6 miles apart. With that being said we don't really see each other during the week and we spend Friday through Mid-Sunday together. With our relationship still being so young I definitely think the space that we give each other now will benefit us in the future to come.
Two months ago tomorrow, Sept. 14, 2012, I proposed to Eric as there is no doubt in my mind he's the man for me. I know in "gay years" two years is a long time but quite frankly I look forward to the many steps we have yet to take, such as moving in, buying a house, and vacationing abroad. I'm ready and willing to show him a lifetime of love and support through the good and through the bad. I may be only 24 but hey no one has the right to tell anyone at which age you should make such a commitment. You'll know, as I did/do, because I feel it in every fiber and not once did I think this was the wrong decision. For the friends that know, I had the ring for about 2 months... Hey it takes time to find the right moment to make it a VERY memorable proposal but I guess just the mere act in itself is forever memorable.
So you could say I've found love but for those that haven't yet or yearn to find it, don't give up. I wasn't looking for it when it found me in the form of Eric. And I know Eric had given up on it because quite frankly love in the gay world is a hard concept to come by. At the moment when you very well least expect it to you'll find it or I should say it'll find you and all that you've gone through, the heartache, the bad break-ups, the countless fights with ex's, will have prepared you for that very moment.
So whether you're straight, bi, transgender, gay, lesbian or questioning love is out there for you waiting. It may not be today or tomorrow or even a month from now but be patient, learn to love yourself first and know your self worth. In the wise words of queen B, RuPaul, "How the hell are you going to love somebody else if you can't love yourself? Can I get an Amen?"
**Pauses to allow readers a respond** :)
With all that being said, for those who have found love; take the time to show your significant other how much they mean to you. Don't let work, kids, pets, hobbies, etc. get in the way of that. Remember there was one day when you would've gone to the moon and back to show them your love. Listen to this song, Jason Mraz's song "I Won't Give Up"
http://youtu.be/O1-4u9W-bns . Take that time out of your busy day and show them you love them, trust me, it makes a big difference and as Mr. Mraz states your relationship is worth it. To those who haven't found it yet, don't give up! Be patient and don't lose hope because, as I stated before, it'll find you when you least expect it.
At the end of the day even if you don't find it you always have the love of your dearest friends and your family to fall back on. It may not be the love you have long looked for but in a world full of hate there is no better love than that unconditional love.
Food for thought ;)
