Love is a loaded word

This is very true. Perhaps some of the truest words I've ever heard. It bothers me to hear a word that has such deep connotation, such deep meaning and impact be tossed around as casually as it is now.

Love is nothing more than chemical reactions in your brain and heart triggered by the proximity of certain people, in fact cocaine gives you practically the same reaction. So why does this one word have so much impact? Simple, because while that may be love at its most basic core, that isn't at all the end of the story.

Love causes people to lose focus, causes smart people to act irrationally. It can lead to some of the greatest times of your life, to some of the most devastating and painful. It's not as simple as it sounds, when looked at scientifically. There's so much complexity hidden behind the word. So many different types, invoking different emotions and feelings from each.

So why is there only one word for it? How did society get to a point where such a powerful word is tossed around as commonly and without meaning as a simple greeting? People say I love you to others, and they know they don't mean it. The word to them is hollow and empty. And then there are those that truly mean it when they say it.

Love is fickle and fleeting and it can be absolute bliss or absolute torment. So why do we chase it? Why does humanity pursue it so eagerly? It confuses me. I find myself in love currently with a woman I could never possibly be with for circumstances beyond both of our control, and even though it's hell, I think I finally get it. Because no matter how painful it is I know that I will always, always want her in my life. I can scarcely picture it without her. Her happiness means the world to me, and I'd do or give absolutely anything for her. That's what real love is. Such a powerful connection, to the point where you know in your soul you'd never desire anyone, could never desire anyone as much as you do that one person. I'm only twenty. I'm still young and have a lot to learn about life and love. I'll never claim to be an expert on the subject, but I will say this: If you find it, the real thing, and you can make it happen then do so. And never let it go. Take it from someone who will never have the chance to be with the one that is quite possibly his soul mate that as fleeting and fickle and painful as love can be... It's worth fighting for with everything you have.