"Love" by Justin Turner

They say it makes the world go round. People do crazy things for it. It's a universal feeling that exists across all cultures and even seems to exist within other animals. It's love.

It's funny how a few neurotransmitters firing off can bring people together and tear them apart. How the hormones in the body can make you feel pain without physical damage, cause war, or give you butterflies. Love is simply a part of biology yet it holds so much power.

I was playing with my baby cousin the other day and he was being his cheeky adorable self when I scooped him off the floor to get dinner and gave him a hug.

"Why did you give me a hug?" his two year old accent said.

"Because I love you."

"Why?"

"Why do I love you?"

"Yeah."

I was at a loss. Why does anybody love anyone?

"Because you're awesome, smart, and family."

"Okay."

But it wasn't okay. That wasn’t the actual answer. But it was the only thing that came to mind. Why do we love people? What makes us love others? There are so many different forms and situations, but I couldn't seem to put my finger on the reason why we love people. While my little philosopher sat and ate his soup I tried to think of a solution. What is the commonality between the people and things I love?

I've had a bit of time to think since then and I think that loving someone has to do with the experiences you have with that person. This of course refutes love at first sight, but just like the English language there are always exceptions. There was a study done recently that said that to can fall in love with anyone. All you had to do is answer some questions to each other and bam instant love. In our romanticized world it's hard to believe that there may not be a thing as a "one true love" and maybe that's clouding my judgement but I'm inclined to believe there's more to love than just a questionnaire. It's the memories you make... Maybe it isn't a complete answer but for now it will suffice. I have a whole life left to figure it out.