Love is Risk

Relationships, for me, have never come easy.

Not, particularly, in an emotional sense, but in terms of the effort which has been necessary to keep them alive. For the most part, this has manifested as distance. My significant others have always been at least an hour's drive away (three hours at the maximum), thus making the relationship far more of a challenge. Nightly phone conversations, meaningful gifts and many gallons of gas were needed to maintain the bond which had been built...moments together, which so many couples take for granted, were considered precious and rare. It was difficult to upkeep, requiring a lot of extra work and hours on the road - yet, it was effort I was always willing to do.

And even now, in my most current relationship, it has not necessarily been easy. There have been roadblocks put up between us at many steps along the way, but through sheer force of will (and perhaps an innate stubbornness, on both our parts) we have hurdled them all...and, through all the work, found myself in a state of happiness, with someone I wouldn't trade for anything.

All of these experiences have made me realize that love is risk. It is not necessarily going to be easy. There will be challenges and difficulties along the way...problems that make you think that maybe it's not worth it. There will be people who will stand in your way, conventions that must be broken, expectations to be surpassed. It could be distance, as it has often been with me, or it could be age, religion, race, differences in opinion, differences in friends or family lifestyle, flaws in personality...anything.

But with the right person, it is always worth it to take that risk. The effort and the work that it takes to surpass all these problems can only deepen the bond between the two individuals. It makes the moments together all the more sweet and blissful, because it is deeply appreciated. If it was always easy, the love would not appear to be anything special...and, as mundane things often do, it would fade. It is the risk which makes it exciting, adventurous, intoxicating, and at the same time comfortable. It is a test, in order to ensure that the relationship is right...because if you aren't willing to fight for it, what's the point?

I suppose in all of this, my point is to take the risk. Don't turn down the opportunity for love or happiness because a roadblock stands in your way, in any form.

You may just find it was worth it.