For some of us, love comes instantly. For others, it takes time and multiple attempts. Of course, there is nothing wrong with either, but it is life-changing to experience all three stages of love.
I found my first love when I was young. It was a love forced by society, family and how we perceived what love should be. We convinced ourselves this was how love was, even when things didn’t work. My second love was the problematic love—the love filled with problems, heartache and emotions. Our expectations of love were high, which put too much pressure on how things should be. This complicated love was necessary to find my final, quiet love. This love works organically. It took the extreme highs and gut-wrenching lows from both prior loves and created the perfect balance. The quiet love is unexplainable but will change your life forever.
My final, quiet love’s name is Aaron. He is a humorous, loving and kind man who works hard, so I don’t have to. His ability to understand my heart always surprises me. Apart from his kindness, he has a brilliant mind. He challenges my intellect with his extensive knowledge about history, war and the English language.
You might be asking where you can find your quiet love. Three-in-ten people meet online through dating apps or websites. Other forms of matchmaking include bars, friends of friends, and even co-workers. Aaron and I met unusually – through Xbox. We both love to play video games. One day, he joined my gaming lobby. He instantly made me laugh, which was something I needed badly in my life. Our friendship grew over video games and late-night conversations until finally, we decided to meet.
On June 30, 2017, I traveled across the state to Spokane, Wash. As the miles flew by, I got more excited to meet the person I had only known through video games and phone calls. Aaron was working when I got into town but was too eager to wait. So, I walked into the small thrift shop where he worked, and there he was – standing behind the counter. I fell into his arms, and at that moment, I knew he was my quiet love.
“Never love anybody who treats you like you’re ordinary.”
Oscar Wilde
Aaron shows me I am exceptional. He inspires me to love myself. He puts all of himself into our relationship, expresses love openly and appreciates my sacrifices in return. Aaron healed me emotionally from my past experiences and always encourages me to be the best version of myself. He helped me understand my problematic love by showing me there was another way. He saved my loveless soul.
When we first met, Aaron was in college. His drive for higher education motivated me to go to college. He supports me emotionally and financially throughout my academia. He sacrifices his free days to sit with me while I do homework patiently. Whenever I need help understanding something, Aaron guides me through my thoughts. There have been many late nights of exhausted tears where he looks into my eyes and says, “Everything will be ok. You know you got this.”
Aaron’s support means everything. His actions have taught me how to love myself, which gives me the power to love others.
For many of us, finding true love is paramount to happiness. Unfortunately, some doubters of love can’t see its importance. Love shows us how to give and receive, teaches us to listen and compromise. I hope that everyone gets a chance to experience the quiet love I have.
Description: I created Funko Pops! of Aaron and I.
Product Used: Adobe Illustrator
Highlights: I love using Adobe Illustrator. Creating these Pop images of my boyfriend and I was a lot of fun. I look forward to making images of my cats and bunny next!
Jessica Kupcake 