Disclaimer: Love is different for every person who experiences it and my experiences are not all-encompassing.

I am not entirely a cynic, but I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. If other people want to enjoy it, then sure, I say go for it if that’s what you like! I don’t expect gifts, I don’t want them. It’s not me.

I do, however, believe in love (including self-love). I want to share it and celebrate it. And that’s why I am writing today. I want to write about what I have learnt of love in my twenties, since I started dating my lover, D.

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Here ‘goes…

A person’s worth and love are not measured by the gifts he/she buys for his/her partner.

He/she may lift you up when you are down, but you’ve also got to do some work. One partner cannot be everything you need all at once.

Love takes work. Harmony and balance are worthy goals, which are nurtured by: patience, distance, exercise, humour, closeness, quality time, and space.

Another person is not you. Love is always a two-way street.

Love is unpredictable and never what you expect.

Love needs silence. And hugs.

Sleeping at the same time goes a long way.

Love requires trust and honesty.

Partners need to communicate and listen to one another. Love needs open ears and eyes.

Love flourishes with laughing and playing. It’s made to be fun.

Sex should be enjoyed, as much as possible, and never used against another person. Sometimes all a little anger needs is a good romp!

If anything, you’ll always learn something from love.

It is intense and constant; it remains throughout any struggle. It’s there on bad days and good days.

It is a constant work in progress, but it’s worth the ride.

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If you feel a little left out of this post, I hope it may speak to anyone seeking self-love. I know I seek it and the above helps me with that.

Love, for me, is really a constant work in progress as I’ve said. It’s a constant work in progress for myself and as it is. I have learnt the most from being intense with other people and I enjoy the learning process. I believe that balance and harmony are really difficult to achieve if you are opposed to your partner in some way, but I constantly seek ways to achieve those two things. So stay tuned into my search!

“Happy Valentine’s Day!”

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Before I go, some UPDATES:

• Nominated for a Very Inspiring Bloggers Award by LuciL (I’ll get to that soon)
• Working on a few photography projects
• Working on a number of art commissions
• Working on a love letter to my readers, because, let’s face it, you’re amazing!
• Working on a feature on author, Chris Allen
• Recently went to a screening of AYA Awakenings byRak Razam that I want to tell you about
• Lovebirds competition winner has just been announced on my Facebook page. Take a look at my silly video

See you soon! (You’re amazing!)

Peace,
Julie