Finding the ‘right' love a challenge

by Taylor Boudreaux

Relationships are very difficult to maintain; most teenagers spend ample time searching for Mr. or Mrs. Right or if not the “perfect partner,” then at least a Mr. or Mrs. Right-now to feel secure and stable.

Sometimes even that can be really, really hard. Relationships come in all shapes and sizes. Every single relationship is completely unique.

If life were easy and understandable, this is how a perfect relationship would go: You are on your own and feeling okay with yourself, but not really seeing anyone. You meet someone you would like to get to know better. The two of you decide to go out together. You both have a really good time on your first date. You can't believe how much you have in common. You go out again, and again it is great. After going out together several times you both realize you have found someone special. You fall in love and continue dating steadily. You decide to get engaged. You plan the wedding together and await the day. You get married. You live happily ever after.

It is very seldom that life is easy and understandable. Things never seem to work out according to this list. There are many reasons why things don't work out this way. One of the most difficult things is finding someone who matches your habits, goals, dreams, desires, and so on. Don't settle for the first person you meet. You have to try out all different kinds of people to understand what your options are.

High school definitions of love include I love you because I really love you. I love you because I do not want to be alone. I love you because my friends are in love so I want to be too. I am not in love with you, I'm in lust with you. I love you because you make me feel better about myself. I love you because you can buy me the things I want. I love you because I do not have love at home. I love you but I am not in love with you.

We have probably all heard, seen, or known people linked to these definitions of love. No matter what, we owe it to ourselves and the persons we love to find out our reasons for love.