Oh, I’ll Tell You

“Lacey, I’m tired of this passive-aggressive attitude. If you would just get over yourself and talk to me, we could fix things.”

“You know what, Jack? I’m transparent. You just have to care enough and actually want to see it.”

“You think it’s ME that doesn’t care enough? It’s like -” He shook his head in disgust, clenching his jaw.

“It’s like what, Jack? What is it like?” I asked in what was undeniably a patronizing tone.

“It’s like you don’t even know what love is anymore!” And that was it. The match that was my anger flared into a full-on bonfire. His words? The gasoline that fueled it.

“I don’t know what love is? Oh, I’ll tell you what love is! Love is compromise. It is putting your priorities on the back burner to help your partner soar, and them for you. Love is surprises, like letters and baked goods and phone calls to check in on your day. Love is knowing that even though physically apart, you’re still together. Love is passion, like intense conversations about each other and your future, and romantic nights, and cuddles in bed. Love is sharing - sharing your memories and your futures and your thoughts and feelings, making one unit instead of two pieces coexisting. Love is acceptance. Acceptance that you are different people who have different goals but work together and support each other to make things happen for one another. Acceptance that you have different pasts, but can work together to make your future happen together. Love is misunderstandings and hurt feelings, because they are what help you grow, and so is love! Love is the water for your garden of life, and just because we’re going through a slightly dry season, it doesnt mean it won’t rain soon. Love is what I feel for you, what I know you feel for me. Love is the reason I know we have things to fix in our relationship. Because I want to fix them. I want to stick with you. You’re my ride or die, Jack, the beating of my heart. The love in my soul and mind. I know what love is, Jack. We are love. Because love isn’t easy. It never has been. But precious things, the things that are really worth it, they are the things you have to work for.”

Jack stood silently, eyes slightly glistening. A simple nod of his head was all that was needed. I folded into his arms, and as he pulled me close, he whispered, “You are what love is.”