Love is spelled T-I-M-E.

What if love was different than what we thought? What if the term "love" has everything to do with actions and sacrifices and nothing to do with emotion? What if love was something that can't be found, but has to be built?

I ponder the word love a lot, especially being here in an environment where many use those three words loosely and things happen because of it. Quite often, in fact! What I would like more than a bag of Milanos would be someone to love me back; fully, wholeheartedly, and unconditionally. I think about this all the time. There are boys in and out of the apartment, several pretty faces and smiles in the ward, and many still waiting to be found. I talked to an old acquaintance tonight when I handled him a CTR ring to hold as I was leaving an event. He responded sill-ily (is that a word?) and said, "I don't know if I'm ready... I can't propose yet!". He has been dating a girl for a couple weeks. He then shared with me there's a girl in one of his classes that met a guy 2 weeks ago, and are going to be getting married this December. I'm sorry, but I don't think I could do that.

I read love stories and I fantasize about being swept off my feet by Romeo to live happily ever after. I don't really know why because I know I couldn't go through with it. I fell in love once upon a time and would have given almost anything for that boy. He knew me inside and out and we could laugh and talk for hours. But, circumstances got in the way and honestly, I'm glad they did. I wasn't thinking logically. That relationship was built upon lust. I thought he was cute, pursued it, and got a kiss out of it 9 days later. I didn't really get to know him until I started spending time with him, and later the friendship built. But it never really was as strong as another bond I have in my life, and I can't ignore that. I give credit to the fact that I befriended him first, and am slowly taking the path to something more intimate.

I'm sure many of us have felt those butterflies or burst of energy whenever we are around someone special. We instantly jump to "crushing", then to "liking", then to "adoring", then to "loving". What if we went straight from friendship to love? No crush at all, because those flirtatious tendencies were controlled and we thought about this logically.

As I come to know people and view their body language in relationship settings, some take it slow and are more hesitant. Some are putting everything they have out in front right away, hoping someone will appreciate that and fall in love instantly. Well, this is what I think: To love someone, it takes time and patience, understanding and effort, desire and passion, sacrifice and endurance. You don't need to think about them 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but it's be nice if they came to your mind first when you go to call someone. You don't have to share everything with them that comes into your mind, but your dreams and aspirations will be protected. I think one should always be thinking about the other person when interacting: would they want me to ask questions about their day? Would they want me to laugh with them and share in their excitement, even about mediocre things? Do they care about what happened in your life today and would like to hear it from your perspective? Would they care about your opinion in any matter imaginable? Would they take time to just listen when you just need to unwind and talk? Do they smile when you're around? Do they make you want to become a better person; a better version of yourself? Do you feel comfortable being you? Chances are, the answer is "yes" to every question if they love you. Return the favor; see where it takes you.

I have always, always believed that someone should marry their best friend. Looks fade, but that beauty inside never will. Building a trust upon a rock solid foundation will last through anything. They will love you at your best, and they will love you at your worst. At the end of the day, they are the one you want to go home to.

So what is love then? An emotion? No. A thought? Maybe. An everyday, every moment action? I think so.
And the greatest thing about this is when it's done right, you'll know. Because even when things don't go according to plan, you have someone to lean against, looking in the same direction you are. Once you find it, don't let it go. Don't leave the one you love for the one you like. They're probably standing right in front of you. Act or be acted upon. When we act, the Holy Ghost can influence us. I urge you, learn to love. It'll be okay. It's okay.