sorry ringo starr, you had it wrong

Love is often misconstrued by the media.

Books, comics, movies, and songs tell you once you find love - once you find the one then you are set for life.

Then good things happen to you, the economy never crashes, the world never burns, and things might happen around you but will never happen to you, will never interfere with your bubble of love.

But as I've grown older, I've seen love in a more complex way.

Love is not an all-encompassing feeling, and it does not set your path for life.

I know my mother loves me and my siblings, but it still pains her that she had to give up the life she wanted for us.

Perhaps the love my mother gives so earnestly causes her to feel pain in another part of her life - perhaps what would have happened if she gave us no love at all? Would she have been able to pursue other dreams, and feel love in that way?

I know that more than any significant other, the love I've felt from my friends has been enough for me. When nights were rough and I had too much anxiety, I felt calm with my friends' love. I never felt the need for a lover because of the comfort of my friends.

And I know there are other feelings not talked about enough - there is nostalgia, melancholy, awe, and euphoria.

Maybe all these feelings are a part of love, or maybe they're entirely separated from it - but I think you need these emotions too, and so much more.

So, to the Beatles, is love really all you need?