Love Is…

“Some people enter your life in a whirlwind and no matter how hard you try you can’t stop thinking about them, even after they leave…especially after they leave.”
— F. Scott Fitzgerald

How do I define love?

Let me first begin by explaining that there are so many ways to love, be loved and be in love.

A parents love for their child.

A child’s love for their favorite Teddy bear.

A patriotic love for our country.

There have been a few times in my life where I had been in love with another man. Not many, but enough for me to know the feeling when I experience it.

And, bottom line, isn’t that what love is: a feeling, an emotion, an exceptionally personal emotional feeling in response to a particular person?

Love isn’t always about sex; but for me, sex IS all about love. At my age, I can no longer separate the two. I don’t have to.

Can you explain what love feels like to someone?

How can you explain what it’s like to be on a sandy beach and watching the waves crash against the surf to someone who has only lived in the desert? Sure, they have the sun and the sand, but how do you explain the massiveness of the ocean waves, the aroma of the salty sea air, the deafening pounding of the surf? Sadly, they have no life experience or frame of reference in which to begin comprehending it, try as we might. We can only hope that one day they will be able to visit the beach for themselves and experience it. And, if they are truly blessed, have someone with a soul as beautiful as yours to stand there with them to share in the absolute beauty and magnificence of it all, because, in a word, it is awesome.

Love is you licking my neck because you know it drives me wild, not just because you’re looking for sex, which we probably will,  but because you know how much I enjoy it.

Love is holding me in your arms and hearing you sneak a subtle sniff because you enjoy how I smell.

Love is enjoying a home cooked meal

Love is Date Night. No matter what else is going on in our lives, THIS is our one exclusive night together.

Love is sending a card, a letter, a rose, an email or text just to let you know I love you and you are on my mind.

Love is waking up first just to put on the coffee. Bonus points for bringing it to me in bed or the bathroom if I’m in the shower.

Love is showing an interest in the things I’m interested in, even if you aren’t.

Love is encouraging me to be the artist I’ve always wanted to be.

Love it talking about dreams and fantasies, and the willingness to surprise you with making them a reality.

Love is offering to watch my favorite movie with me, and hug me during the sad moments.

Love is letting yourself be emotional together.

Love is walking into the kitchen and hugging me from behind while I’m preparing dinner for us.

Love is a surprise picnic.

Love is you waking me by whispering in my ear and saying you love me.

Love is asking questions and taking an interest in your past, your childhood, your dreams.

Love is knowing what foods you do and don’t like, and knowing you well enough to surprise you with something new.

Love is taking pride in walking down the street together.

Love is knowing your faults and fears, and offering in a supportive way to help you when you are ready.

Love is asking “What’s wrong” when you genuinely know something is troubling and you want to hear.

Love is terms of endearment and pet names because you know it’s ok

Love is knowing the date of your anniversary, and celebrating it as the milestone that it is.

Love is sleeping in and cuddling on a Sunday morning.

Love is sharing intimacy.

Love is being sensitive and caring in bed.

Love is knowing that being gentle in bed IS masculine.

Love is always finding you attractive even when you’re sick.

Love is telling you how handsome your are because you are.

Love is admiring you for making me feel special.

Love is waiting for you.

Love is being willing to move great distances.

Love is listening to your words.

Love is finding a soul that mirrors your own.

Love is paying attention to things you like so I can surprise you one day.

Love is being willing to let you go if I had to, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it.

Love is telling you I love you while I am kissing you.

Love is wanting to collaborate on something together just for the shear joy of it. Anything from cooking a meal to designing a new quilt for the bed to writing a novel to making a film.

Love resting my hand on the small of your back as we stroll through a museum together.

Love is missing you and you’ve only been away for a short while.

Love is wondering how you’ve slept and anxious for you to awaken to ask about your dreams.

Love is seeing an image or reading a passage and wanting to share it with you.

Love is stepping out of the comfort zone in perfect love and perfect trust.

Love is having confidence to take on the world if you had to.

Love is knowing the difference between horny, infatuation and romance, and realizing it’s been love all along.

Love is exploring the deepest depths of life.

Love is being a Wizard because he makes you feel like you can make anything possible.

Love is spontaneous. It doesn’t need a shower first.

Love is all about doing something with no walls…no blocks…just letting go completely.

Love is exploring life with you.

Love is giving you the key to my heart and seeing you wear it on a chain around your neck.

Love is making you feel as special as you truly are to me.

Love is having a connection between creativity and the ability to feel and express passion and intimacy.

Love is loving you the way you’ve always wanted to be loved.

Love is intense passion

Love is being romantic

Love is natural

Love is comfortable

Love is about unwavering devotion and commitment

Love is wanting only the best for someone, even self-sacrifice

Love is seeing in someone their love for for you, their commitment and their sacrifices for you

Love is understanding. Love is wanting to understand even when words are not clear

Love is about putting your ego aside and opening you ears and your heart

Love is not only to listen, it is to hear. To look and not just to see.

Love is encouraging someone

Love is watching someone grow and flourish right before your eyes

Love is knowing when someone is in need

Love is staying home just to be there when you’d rather be out with friends

Love is knowing when to let go

Love is having shared interests

Love is having time for yourself, and sharing those experiences when you return

Love is openness

Love is communication

Love is intimacy

Love is mutual exploration

Love is willingness

Love is seeing yourself the way he sees you

Love is the little things

Love is being able to say what’s on your mind

Love is being receptive

Love is making sure the other knows they are loved

Love is knowing when to give a hug

Love is knowing that the simplest gesture will bring the greatest joy

Love is comfort

Love is doing something for someone because you know they would like it

Love is not being afraid to be yourself

Love is being comfortable enough to be honest

Love is love

Love is you