What Is Love?

 As we were getting ready for bed last night, I asked Riley if he thought anything would change after we get married. His response was; "well, things have already changed" and I'm thinking oh great, what, what is it, we are just a mere 9 days away from our wedding...But - he continued with; "I've fallen 100 times more in love with you." And of course, being a girl I said, "awwww, but no, like, AFTER the wedding! Do you think anything will change?" 

I know no one really knows the future or what will happen for sure, but I do know that as long as we persist, stay faithful, loyal, honest, hard workers and we keep the passion and deep love in our marriage, we will be off to a great and wonderful new life together, because the D word is NOT a word we say in our family.

 During the road trip we had alot of time to think and discuss things. One of the subjects was of course, what is love? What is it really? 

I believe that there are different types of love, many types in fact. 

There is puppy love, tough love, self love, infatuation, unconditional love and so many more. We may feel one or several of these for certain people. Personally, I like to take a step back on most situations and assess, figure out why, how did it happen, exactly how I'm feeling and whether it's healthy or not...You could say I like to analyze ;) 

There is another kind of love, in my opinion. The default kind of love. This may happen with relatives by marriage or even blood related family members. It's kind of like, do I REALLY love the person or do I say "I love you" because it's the right thing to do or you've never known it any other way?  

 I guess it's all a matter of perspective as far as how you would handle your own personal situation. Just something to think about.

Disclaimer time: I'm certainly not trying to offend or seem mean in any way whatsoever. These are just raw thoughts and feelings I have.

I feel that a special bond, a commonality, a special thing between you two, you make each other laugh, forget about the negative in this world etc is required to be able to say that you truly love that person, again, whatever type of love that is. 

So, I would ask you to ask yourself. Just take a day or two, however long you need, and if you're dating someone or hoping to date someone, engaged or even just getting to know a new friend...Try to figure out exactly what type of love you feel for this person, and what type of love they feel for you. Maybe make this a conversation between you two. Make sure it's a healthy situation for you. Make sure it's worth it and that you hold your standards high, we are all God's kids and he's preparing the best for us. Wait for it. :)

 As most of you may know, Riley and I met when we were 12 years old. At that time in our lives we sort of "knew" but not really, as we were only kids. Over the years we discovered that we were each others Ones. We just knew. We didn't know when it was going to happen or how but we knew.

I can most confidently say that he is my rock, my own personal comedian and my best friend. He takes very good care of me, proves to me that he loves me every day and most importantly, I know with all my heart that I can trust him, that he will stick by my side no matter what, and he will always be there to bring me back to where I need to be. He is my home, my family and literally, my one and only true love.

I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him.

Love is a condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own. Where you become a better person just by being around them, and when the tiny things that confirm the love you have for one another make you feel like you're going to burst with joy and scream, see! I knew it! I'm with the right person!! Did you see that?? 

In just 9 days I will walk down that aisle to marry my best friend, the love of my life, and the funniest person I know.

People keep asking; "aren't you stressed??" And I don't really think I am, just excited to marry him and celebrate it with all of our family and friends :)