Love is a very funny thing.

It’s also very frustrating, amazing, chaotic, and beautiful.

I’m only 20. I don’t have it all figured out; I don’t really think any of us do. I’ve already said a thousand times over that I fall in love easily, and it may not be your definition of love because I don’t think that time is always a good measure of how you should feel about somebody. Some of these names were part of my life for a very long time, and still are, while some of these names left my life as quickly as they jumped into it.

I learned something from each of them; multiple, harsh lessons that have made both of us better people.

James*

You taught me that love is pure and young love is simple and breathtaking and fleeting. And if your first love isn’t going to be your forever love, a part of you will still belong to them. Your first love is one of your most important loves. They’re going to teach you so much about yourself throughout your entire life because you'll always carry them with you.

Brian*

You taught me that sometimes a couple needs to discover more about themselves before jumping in. That passion is so important in a relationship, but it’s definitely not the top priority. When you’re crazy about each other, take it slow. Ease into everything. You can’t always dive in head first without testing the waters beforehand.

Liam*

You taught me that brutal honesty will always hurt, but it’s necessary in order to make things last. Sometimes you need to lay all of the dirty laundry and skeletons out on the table and scream and cry at each other. You also taught me how easy it is to fall for someone you barely know, but how damaging it can be as well. It doesn’t matter if you know them for three years or three days, love is love.

Alex*

You taught me how great it is to be with someone who’s into the same exact stuff as you are. That connecting with someone on a spiritual level is great. That love is not just romance, it can be platonic, and it can be everything you need, even if it's not what you've been looking for.

Austin*

You taught me how truly great it is to be someone’s number one priority. But you also taught me that there are two sides of every person that you don’t get to see. And it is imperative that you see that other side, because it’s important to know whom you’re falling in love with. Of course, it’s easier to turn a blind eye when it comes to the truth, but we really need to stop doing that.

Ryan*

You taught me that if you really want something, you're going to have to fight for it. The fight will be ugly, it can get nasty, but you assured me that it's always worth it. People say two stubborn people shouldn't be together, but you helped prove that they're meant to be in some cases.

I know that I am nowhere near being done when it comes to learning about love. There are going to be a lot more names added to this list with time, and the lessons I learn will be ever changing and never the same, because I don't think it's possible to have the same love twice.

*Names have been changed.