wise words: the meaning of love

yes, the majority of my february posts have been about love. sorry. as it happens, it's the month of love, what with valentine's, so obviously it's what's swarming around in my head. today i asked my students to write about what love is. this is what one of them said, that leaves me wondering when i decided that love had to be all complicated and difficult:

"My favorite thing about my current crush is that she isn't shy or nervous around me. We like each other and have for a long time. She isn't all lovey dovey, she just likes to chill and be around me. She can tell me anything and I can talk to her about anything. She is caring and always there when I need her and I'm the same for her when she needs me. Her family loves me and my family loves her. It's not awkward when it's just me and her hanging out--we can always find something to do, if it's going on a walk or a drive or watching a movie."

there it is, the simplest thing in the world.