READ THIS WHEN YOU’RE BORED AND LONELY:

Love.

Wait, alright, I know I said to read this when you’re bored and lonely. I’m not posting this to rub salt in wounds. I’m doing it to help people grasp the weird optimism that I’ve recently stumbled upon.

I’m a lover. Always have been, always will be. I act like a “bro” and flex when I can, but the reality is that on the inside, I’m just a giant, mucky, hopeless romantic. This can be problematic. Ever since my first relationship, I have had a habit of trying to force what I believe to be the definition of a “good relationship”. Mind you, I didn’t come up with the definition. I don’t even agree with it. But society plants this idea in your head that there are standards to live up to in order for a “relationship” to be just that… A relationship.

Lemme explain.

We make up steps; A progression chart to define the proper direction and actions that are to happen in order for a relationship to become, dare I say, “Facebook official”. We lay out these superficial plots and timelines that are to be followed. We name behaviours that must happen in order for love to exist. Maybe we do it just so we can feel like we have some sort of understanding on how love is supposed to work.

We don’t. It’s totally out of our hands.

Love doesn’t have a definition. It’s this thing that makes your heart feel all weird and mushy. It makes you spend your money, even if it isn’t actually there. It makes you walk in that stupid snow storm that has shut down your entire city, not because you’re expected to, but because you really wanted to make hot chocolate and cuddle with the curtains open to watch those flakes slow down and fall gently. It’s being able to comfortably acknowledge who you are as a person, strengths and weaknesses, without stressing about judgement. It’s weird conversations you can’t have with your friends. It’s hugs that magically fix almost any problem. It’s about sharing potato wedges at midnight while you’re half asleep and drunk. It’s the banishment of awkward silences, and it’s the giggles that happen when awkward silences occur. It’s about those bands you hate sounding surprisingly alright when that special someone is around. It’s feeling safe to break. It’s still being excited to see someone, even if it’s only been a day. It’s enjoying stupid movies that no one else finds interesting. It’s noticing the quirks. It’s warm. It’s sleeping better because they said “good night”.

Actually, it’s pretty much what this song describes.

It isn’t forced. It isn’t defined. It’s just… There. It’s comfortable, and it’s safe, and it’s there. And if you try to fight it, if you for a second resist the urge to just embrace and accept what you can’t control, you’re a fool.

You really want to waste the one life you have living in fear of an imaginary definition? Just breathe and be happy.

I’m going to go read comics now. And maybe be girly and weep over love songs. BECAUSE I DO THAT.

Love you, kiddies.