A few weeks ago, my friend asked me what I found most important in life. I explained to him that my life is built on top of three pillars: love, art and freedom. The second question I got was which one I would choose if I only could keep one. To me it was an easy answer, love.

I’ve been told my relationship is special more times than I can remember but I don’t think it is. More importantly I don’t like the president that it sets for those around me. I can’t pretend I didn’t get lucky but that’s only a small part of it. My relationship was built with hard work, sacrifice and trust. Telling me it’s special undermines everything we’ve put into it and worse than that; it’s created unrealistic expectations.

I might not be old, but I’ve seen enough of people abusing love. I’ve seen people cheat and I’ve seen people pretend to be someone they’re not as to keep their partner for their needs alone. I’ve seen friends treat people like meat time and time again all the while they’re asking me why they can’t find love. All this might be bad but what hurts me the most is those who’s chosen partners out of fear of being alone. With that said it’s the only one I can understand.

I know how scary it is being alone and I know the fear of believing that no one ever will love you. Love has been the one change that made me who I am, it put me in the right direction and it truly made me happy. Choosing the second best won’t give you that. Finding someone who truly loves you for who you are, with flaws and all isn’t true love; it’s the least you deserve in a relationship.

To you reading this, you deserve to be loved and that’s that. You don’t have to be special, and you don’t have to be perfect; all you’ve got to be is who you truly are. I know you lose credibility when you pass over to the other side but please believe me when I say that I’ve been where you are, I know it feels impossible and I know the road seems endless but it’s not. Every beauty the world has to offer is there for those who never quit. I promise.