Fascinated by Love

As long as I can remember, I've been fascinated by love. Watching Disney movies as a young girl had me excited to find my Prince Charming, regardless of the number of frogs I'd have to encounter first. The idea of having someone to be there for you and accept you despite your faults, flaws, and endless imperfections amazed me. Being able to disagree and fight one minute, then look into your loves eyes and forget all the issues that exist between the two of you, the next minute inspired me. All the R&B love songs I've listened to over the last 21 years reinforced my infatuation with love.  I was 14 years old when I had my first experience with love; and seven years later I must say it has not disappointed me at all. I won't say that it has been as easy as the movies make it seem, but it has been an extremely insightful and challenging experience.

My knight in shining armor entered my life when we were in the seventh grade. Upon our introduction, we clicked and began talking and hanging out together. I'd never met a more honest and caring person. Endless phone conversations and late night talks are some of the first memories I have of our friendship. Throughout middle school, I had plenty of "crushes" and I could come to him for his advice about all of them. When we entered the ninth grade, we noticed a mutual attraction between the two of us and like magic, my fairytale love story began. Over the next five years, our love story continued with many trials and tribulations, but never enough

to disrupt the peace between us for more than a day or two.

During our junior year in college, we decided to end our relationship in order to experience life without each other. Although our romantic relationship has come to an end, I know in my heart that the love I share with him is one that will forever be unmatched.   He has been there for me through some of the most trying times in my life and has never judged me. Through family disputes, tragic losses, and new relationships, he's been by my side with an open ear and two shoulders for me to lean on. Never turning his back on me when I'm in need of someone, he's become my closest and most reliable friend.

Some people go throughout their lives not knowing what it feels like to love someone and have someone love them back. Luckily, I was able to find the love that I always knew existed on my first try. I am eternally grateful to the young man who showed me what it is like to truly be loved.