Love at 16

What exactly is love? Technically, love is an intense feeling for another, or at least that is what the dictionary tells me, but to me it’s so much more. It’s the touch of his hand upon my cheek, the smell of his skin when I’m lying against his shoulder, or the heartfelt laughs and words that pass between our lips. It’s the gentle sound of his breath when he falls asleep alongside my neck, the warmth of his arms when he’s holding me, or the softness of his lips when he kisses mine ever so lightly. To me, it’s the tingle when he looks straight into my eyes with a smile, a gathering of butterflies in my stomach when I see him as he walks up my driveway for the first time in three weeks, or the excited jump I take into his arms as he then spins me and kisses my cheek. Unfortunately, love is also the tears that he kisses away when we must part for those three weeks, the pain that emerges with an argument and the emotional roller coaster with its hills and dips. Love is not just a word; love is not just a physical phenomenon either. Of course you are going to speak words, and feel physical attraction, but love is something that is felt deep within your soul, surrounded by with your heart, and thought of time and time again. Love in itself is an irreplaceable experience. Many tell me, “You don’t know what love is, for you’re only sixteen,” but I beg to differ. Whether they believe me or not, whether you believe me or not, I know what love is, how love feels, and where love can take you, though also leave you. I know the true contentment of the heart through love, but also the sinful tears that hurt to cry. I understand the meaning of words, the touch of not only a lover, but also a best friend, and the emotional ride that flows with it. I know love, I know where it takes you and leaves you, I know contentment, I know tears, I understand words, feel the touches, and ride the emotional flow everyday, for I am in love right now, and yes, at sixteen. Those who have felt love, they know what I’m saying, they know how I’m feeling, but for those who don’t, I hope when the chance comes your way, you take hold of it quickly, hold it tightly, and as close to your heart as possible. It is true that love fails, but it is also true that love succeeds. When you succeed in love, you can achieve anything of your desire, for the one thing every person in this world needs most is within the palms of your hands. It is just up to you to seize the moment and make your life better than ever thought possible. Love, an irreplaceable experience, and one of lives very best simple pleasures.
By Lauren