What is Love?

     

     I usually don't speak on topics like this, because in my opinion, the world's description of love has been swayed by personal emotions of infatuation. But, what does it mean to love? How does someone know when to say, "I love you?" Of course, we all have loved ones that we say we love and hold dear, but when it comes to that special individual outside of our family and friends, when are we sure that we love them? Is it by the things that they give us, physically or mentally? If someone cannot feed your mind and stimulate your aspirations, do they really love you? I'm not saying that receiving gifts, dinner, and entertainment shouldn't be appreciated, but if that's all you're getting, is that really love? If all you see when you look at them is sexual desire and no substance, is that really love? No one wants to be with someone who only brings them gifts to shut them up or brings them gifts in order to take away that one special thing that you may have. Love should be compared to a mental checklist. Do they care enough about you to be there if something tragic may happen in your life? Would they feed you and clean you if you were bed written? Would they travel miles to see you just to hold you if you were broken? Sometimes, you will never know how much love someone has for you until, God forbid, you are in a bad situation. But one thing that should be checked for sure, is their intentions. People will always show you signs of who they truly are once you tap into it. Some people will show you signs of their intentions after the first week of knowing them. It is important to be aware of the positive and negative signs in order to make these mental checks. For example, if a man only glorified and complimented the appearance of a woman's body at first conversation, that could be a red flag that he only cares for her looks. If a man first and foremost asks a woman about her aspirations and goes out of his way to encourage and attempt to open doors for that woman, that is a red flag that he truly cares for her and wants to see her grow. It's all about knowing your surroundings, having an understanding of the type of man/woman you look to pursue, and if you want to be completely loved, or only lusted after. I hope that the difference is clear, you have to know your own worth, love yourself, before another being can give that same love to you. 

(I don't believe you are ever too young to know what love is, to each their own)