Definition Essay

Love

Love, what does it really mean? Many people have different perceptions of it. Merriam-Webster Dictionary says love is “a warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion.” I agree with that, but there are many other underlying levels of it. There is free love, mother love, God's love, true love, a love of a friend, family love, and so much more. Love, in my own words, is a feeling that overpowers everything, it is compassion and adoration of another person, and it is a mutual feeling of affection. Love is when the person in love accepts their lover’s strengths and flaws; they love them for exactly who they are. It is necessary in all life forms; without love, life isn’t worth living; without love, life would be empty.

A love toward a friend is something very powerful. Without friendship, we as humans would be incredibly lonely. It takes time to start loving a friend. Trust and comfort are two things that really matter in friendship. Friends are there to support you, to care for you, and to make you happy. A best friend or a life-long friendship is hard to come by, but when you find one, you know it. I have a friend, Elizabeth Hoehler, and I love her more than anyone on this planet. I know I can trust her with anything, and if I need someone to talk to, she’ll be there in a heartbeat. I recall a time in my life where I was frantic and called her crying; she said she would be over at my house as fast as she could. Elizabeth doesn’t have a car, so she started walking the seven mile journey to my house until she found a friend to drive her the rest of the way. That was the moment I knew that I had found a friend who cared about me and would love me unconditionally. I am so blessed to have met this angel in my life, and I don’t know what life would be like without her in my life.

Family love is something you possess the minute a baby is born. Mother love is something that can never be broken; a mother will love her child until the day she dies. The second that child is brought into her life that child is hers, and there is a connection made that cannot be destroyed. The same rules apply with family love as they do for any other type of love, but family love is harder to break. A family relationship can collapse when there is neglect, disrespect, deception, or abuse, just as any other relationship can. It depends on the person, but I think it is easier to forgive a family member for the past than anyone else because they are always going to be your family. It depends on the extremity of the situation or trust that is broken, but typically people will always love their families no matter what.

Another kind of love is true love or love towards a partner. This kind of love occurs when two people connect in a romantic way and love each other for who they are. This kind of love takes time to manifest; it’s a huge step in the relationship when “the L word” is said. My boyfriend, John, and I have been together for over a year now, and we are in love. He makes me very happy and when I’m around him I feel invincible; not many people can do that to someone. My love for him is indescribable. Most people find true love with a partner multiple times in their life, but there are some people who find their soul mat the first time.

When some people find true love, they get married. Free love is defined as, “the practice of living openly with one of the opposite sex without marriage” by dictionary.com. I personally don’t believe in marriage. My philosophy is that you can love someone and not have to possess a ring and piece of paper that says you’re going to be together forever. I also think it is unnecessary because if you happen to break up, it is a long, legal, and pricy process. Living with someone and loving them is no different than being married, besides sharing the last name and the title of “wife” or “husband,” Mr. and Mrs. Whomever.

Some people like the security of a higher being, or someone looking after them. They like the safety of knowing that there is something or someone looking after them--that would be God's love. God's love is different for every person, but in my eyes, it is the comfort some people need to feel optimistic about life. Several people believe in heaven which makes them feel at ease; knowing that after life on earth is over, their spirit will still live on is soothing. It makes them have something to look forward to after death.

Love is a very powerful feeling that affects everyone and every thing on Earth. Love is surrounding us constantly, no one can escape it. I can't generalize the feelings of everyone on an emotion as strong as love, but my opinion about love is that it conquers all. It is a mutual affection between two people or things. It is shared between friends, family, partners, God, animals, and so much more. It is acceptance of that certain person and who they are. Love is seeing the beauty in the thing you love. World Book Dictionary defines love as "to be very fond of; hold dear" and "to embrace affectionately." So embrace the world, hold dear to the people you find important in your life, and enjoy the feeling of love.