Table for two, please.

I've always wondered about love. You know, that little phenomenon that our world thrives upon. It's the most thought out four letter word, and we all want nothing more than to be a part of it. Everybody just wants somebody. And not just anybody. But somebody. You know, their somebody. The somebody who means more than anything ever could. The somebody whose voice speaks more than words to you. The somebody whose eyes see beyond your face, and into your soul.

I've been doing a lot of soul searching. I've realized that I find myself through other people. Lately, I have been asking people if they are or ever have been in love. Nearly everyone I've asked has had an answer that, in one way or another, checks the "yes" box. After this, I always ask, "How do you know that it's love?" And although the answers vary, I find one common factor in each response: "You just know." These three words have come up with every single person that I've asked this question to. Every single one. And I can't help but wonder what this positive knowledge feels like.

Lately, I'm obsessed with Mumford & Sons. My dearest friend, Ari , introduced them to me, and they've been my pride and joy ever since. Every word spoken in each song is delivered with articulation and absolute brilliance. Anyway, this is beside the point. Last night, as I was attempting to get some sleep, I played their album. The first song that came on was Sigh No More. And as the song furthered into itself, I began to get teary eyed.

As I listened intently, the following was said:

"Love. It will not betray you, dismay or enslave you. It will set you free."

These words literally spoke to me. And I realized that it's not love unless it sets you free.

With this knowledge, can you honestly say you're in love? 

Because if that man that you would literally give your life for brings you nothing but grief, and if you feel locked up because you want nothing more than his approval, then you can't lie to yourself and say that it's love.

If there's been betrayal, then it can't be love. Love will not betray you.

If you've been dismayed, then don't allow yourself to believe it's love.

Love will set you free. The moment you've been "set free," is the same moment that you will know, positively, that you are in love with that man. 

And I suppose that "you just know" when you're absolutely free.

-Mallory