I bet 73% of you saw this title and thought, "Oh goodie! Kristianna is going to talk about her love life!"
Made ya look.
There's something beautiful about chemistry. The fact that people can merely be in the vicinity of one another and feel a gravitational pull just blows my mind.
What use can we make out of this feeling?
I am sad to admit that myself, and if I may be so bold as to speak for many others my age, feel the need to act upon this feeling whenever it occurs--whether that be in pursuit, confrontation, or even nullifying the experience. By no means am I saying that this is wrong, but I think we forget that there are other options. How come we can't just see the feeling, accept it, and grow upon that fondness? How come we must perceive it as a means to woo? It scares me that because I forget to consider these options, I could miss out on an enlightening and important acquaintanceship.
I would like to point out that the word "romance" does not have to be an adjective associated only with attraction. Nor does it have to include two people. Yes, the first definition that comes up on Google is "associated with love," but even then, love has so many different forms that romance can build upon. I am doing my best recently not to look at life with such a pigeon-holed view. To me, romance has come to be associated with sentimentalism, nostalgia, the art of extracting happiness from common things, adventure, and pureness of heart. I'm finding that living a romantic life is about living a life worthy of a smile--worthy of a sweet recognition that simplicity is beautiful and grand gestures of affection towards others, the self, the earth, and the Lord are a unique perspective that can open one's eyes to a life worthy of poetry and artful experiences. Living every day like one is painting an intimate and intricate picture can be liberating and joyful.
So, when two people come across one another and there is a clear sense of chemistry and fondness, why not share these things? Why not discuss and experience together a romance that is innocent and whose only goal is to learn and grow? I find great peace in this option. It makes me smile only to think about the joy that could come out of living life in this way. It reminds me of my childhood--how I would get up every day, see that the sun was out, and go outside to play, waiting for someone to come along. I didn't look for them or expect them to show up. I just went on my own romantic way, playing pretend and collecting every flower I saw. And when one did come along, no questions crossed my mind of "What does this person mean to me? Where will this relationship go? Do they like me?" No, I only played with them. I only sought joy and laughter, and to welcome them into my happiness.
Love is romance, but we need not be so narrow minded as to assume romance has only one goal.
Love is challenging me to change my experiences, and appreciate them in the most innocent yet knowledgeable way.
Love is always more than we think.
