What does love look like to me?
Love to me looks like honesty.
Real, 100% honesty.
It looks like when I shut down, I’m not scrutinized or judged… but loved quietly until I feel safe enough to open back up.
It looks like being able to talk about anything without the fear that every conversation will turn into a fight.
Love means my happiness matters. That I’m not just an option, but a priority and a purpose in someone’s life.
It means being able to share my trauma and my past without feeling like I’m being judged for the things that shaped me.
Love looks like sacrifice.
When someone does something for you that you know they wouldn’t normally do… that means the world.
It looks like effort.
Romance matters. Always.
It means that when I’m difficult and stubborn (because yes, I know I can be), the response isn’t anger or blame… but a hug and loving words instead of feeling attacked or made to feel like the villain.
Love is when I say, “It’s been a bad day at work,” and the answer is,
“I’m sorry, my love. What can I do to make you feel better?”
…followed by a kiss on the forehead.
Love looks like daddy–daughter dances.
It looks like someone who never stops dating you… even years later.
It looks like when I say “I don’t even know what I want right now,” and they smile and say,
“And that’s why I love you. We’ll figure it out together.”
Maybe it’s someone who is a little obsessed with you — like Mr. Grey was with Anastasia, or like Noah was with Allie — instead of someone who constantly makes you feel insecure about their love.
Love should feel safe.
Like your heart isn’t constantly bracing for pain.
To me love also looks like:
Mariachis.
Roses.
Letters.
Poems.
Songs.
Dancing together in the living room.
Technically… a best friend.
But one who loves you deeply.
And honestly… who really gets that?
Some people are privileged enough to find it.
Some people try their best with what they have and make the most of it.
And some people may go their whole lives never truly knowing it.
My biggest hope now is that my children know the most beautiful kind of love and that I get to watch them happy. Because seeing them loved will always make me smile.
As for me…
I just hope that before my time comes, I get to finally feel what it’s like to know:
That I am enough.
That I am chosen.
And that I am someone’s priority
From personal experience, love is much more than grand gestures; it’s in the everyday moments that show genuine care and respect. When someone accepts your flaws and past without judgment, it creates a safe space where vulnerability can flourish. I've found that true love means patience during tough times, like when I’ve shut down emotionally — being met not with frustration or blame, but with quiet understanding and support. Romance is not just about surprise dates or gifts; it’s about continuous efforts such as dancing in the living room, exchanging poems or letters, and keeping the spark alive even after many years together. This daily commitment to 'dating' your partner helps keep the connection strong and alive. Sacrifice also plays a crucial role in love. When someone goes out of their way to do something they wouldn’t normally do just for you, it speaks volumes about how much you mean to them. It’s these meaningful actions that show love’s depth and authenticity. Moreover, being prioritized affects emotional wellbeing profoundly. Feeling like a true priority rather than an option fosters self-worth and security within the relationship. When your happiness matters to your partner, it creates a foundation for shared growth and happiness. Finally, love should never feel unsafe or cause constant anxiety. It’s about knowing your heart will be protected, not bracing for pain. My hope, like many, is to experience this kind of love fully and to witness those closest to me feel equally cherished and prioritized. Love, at its best, feels like you are enough, chosen, and deeply valued every single day.
