I was wrong.
I don't think it's fair to say someone only gets one love in this lifetime. In fact, I now believe the exact opposite. I think that as humans, we are blessed with infinite loves. They're there in the way rain patters against the roof in the heat of storms, in the way freckles dance along the face of the boy you work with in English, in the sound of your best friend's laughter after being apart for so long, in the crash of the ocean against the shore reminding you of home, and in the feeling of closed eyes at a live concert with the beat of drums matching the beat of your own heart. In all instances of love, it isn't wrong to need, to want, or to even crave it.
Growing up, my mind was so set on the idea that needing someone made you weak. I was so very wrong. Our souls crave other souls. It's how we were created. Why fight it?
Some people bring out the worst in you. Others bring out the best. And then some are remarkably rare. The addictive ones who just bring out the most of you -- of everything. They make you feel so alive that you'd follow them straight to hell. I now have no illusions about love anymore. It comes, it goes, it leaves casualties, or it doesn't. People aren't meant to be together forever because this life doesn't last forever.
I've learned there are many types of people. Some people can be like autumn. They will take walks with you in the brisk air and sip cups of apple cider. With their steps, they'll change the colors of the world and you along with it.
Some are like winter. They will cuddle you by the fire and lend you their jackets when the snow begins to fall. They'll help start up your car when the engine freezes, and they'll buy you a cup of hot chocolate as you walk the dimly lit street at dusk.
Some are like spring. They will plant flowers in your soul and water them until you are a new person. They'll bring the sun out of hiding, and dance with you in meadows filled with deep greens and tulips of all colors.
And some people are like the summer. They will take you to bonfires at the beach and you'll catch some sparks that ignite a fire within you. They'll pick you up for midnight drives in their dated, blue pickup and you'll both sit in the back after he parks it near the ocean. They can all take you places you didn't know existed and you'll be in awe of your shared wonder.
Would you have done all of this alone? Life is meant to be shared. No, you don't need someone to feel complete or happy. But I promise having someone by your side will make the days longer and nights easier.
I used to believe I could make it through life alone, that I was OK with being lonely. I was wrong.
