For Jacob and Rachel, to love is to wait. So, while I wait, I asked my colleagues at The Jerusalem Post: What does love mean to you?
“Love is like being wrapped in a warm blanket in an otherwise cold world,” J told me, adding, “To be loved is to be known.”
“In a word, to be loved is reassuring,” O said.
Hearing the difference between J talking about his soon-to-be wife and O’s story about a love that ran its course years ago made me hopeful. Of course, I have friends and family who I know love me (and, of course, my beloved cat Bear, who I think likes me), but no one’s ever smiled like that when talking about me.
I can’t tell you what’s more frustrating: to be constantly assured there’s someone out there for me or the realization that maybe there isn’t.
I know, I sound jaded. But I’m 24, and in Modern Orthodox years, that’s… well, 24. Still, I can name at least 10 girls I went to school with who now have two or more kids. It takes a toll. Not only am I not in love currently, but I don’t think I’ve ever been in love. My so-called high school sweetheart broke up with me because I like to wear heels (sorry you’re 5 foot 5, bud); and the last serious partner I had was a year ago. While he does occasionally still check my LinkedIn, something tells me if he was going to text me back, he would have by now.
<em>Jerusalem Post</em> colleagues describe love
So, what’s it like being loved?
“It’s a feeling of perfection and fulfillment unlike anything else, like finally finding the last piece of a puzzle and it just fits perfectly,” A told me before delving into several stories about her spouse, true love, and cats.
For some, love is scary. It can make you confront some parts of yourself that you’re not comfortable with or maybe you didn’t know existed.
“Sometimes being with someone makes you take a deeper look at yourself because you want to be better for someone else,” C explained, “and that’s scary; but it’s kind of beautiful because I genuinely think that most people would not recognize it if they didn’t have someone.”
“Is it worth it?” I asked.
“Yes,” C answered without hesitation.
So, maybe I’m not better off being alone.
Maybe some things are worth waiting for.