What Is Love?
Apart from being an EXO song, what is love?
Let's assume love is real (because the alternative may push this blog in a spiral that we are not yet prepared for). How do we define it? How do we show it? How do we understand it?
Is love public? Confessions on scenic routes? Roses on Valentine's Day? Valentine's triggers a lot for people, singles, couples, whatever status they have either willingly or unwillingly. There is that overall societal pressure to be doing SOMETHING on that day, with anyone of any relevance to you. Now there is a popular concept of 'Galentine's' for those who identify as women to spend the day together. This has expanded to be more platonic - not just traditional romance but love between friends, family, all types of love that should be celebrated. Nevertheless, Valentine's is a day that brings romance to the centre of our brains and expects us to be busy or else face social stigma. We have to be spoiling our loved ones, making grand gestures, and making our affections known.
Or is love more subtle? Instead of public shows, the everyday details. The way people hold doors open for the next person. The high five when you get an answer right. The texts to make sure you are ok if you haven't been in touch. The way people love every single day for those around them to show they matter always, and not just on an allocated day.
I think my own concept of love is so much wider than what society expects. It isn't JUST relationships, or friendships, or strangers, but all of them. I think love can be applied to almost anything. I see love in how people thank bus drivers for their service. I see love in how people dress nicely when going outside. I see love in how my friends remember me by my favourite song (Fighting by BSS, if you're curious).
Love means different things to different people. If you subscribe to the school of thought regarding love languages and the way people receive love, you can appreciate how this would add even more to the idea. You can be loved differently depending on how it is shown, and how you best perceive it.
Perhaps I'm silly, Maybe overly optimistic or in love with the world. But I think you have to be a little in love with the world to keep going on, to see love being shown in so many forms.
This is what love means to me. Happy Love Day.
*Image taken by author in Manchester City Centre, all rights reserved
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