Most kids are taught love from their family members. Kids are shown love directly from their parents, like by a hug, or by their parents being affectionate with one another. But, for some kids, they don’t get that so often or at all. I'm one of those kids. Growing up, I wouldn't see my parents being affectionate toward each other, but instead they would argue. Yes, I would get hugged by my mom, and, although she would tell me she loved me; I never really thought she did, because I reminded her of my dad. For me, love was just a word with no meaning.

As I got older, I had a crush on a guy and started talking to him. He would listen to me and be there for me and care for me, all the things that I felt were missing in my life. As things went on, I started to realize that he wasn’t really the thing I needed because of the intentions he really wanted from me. After I found out I was getting used, I started to feel like I was the problem, and that I couldn't be loved. This made me spiral into a dark hole; I felt like I couldn't get out of it because of having to deal with my parents fighting and their divorce, and feeling alone all the time. Yes, I have friends that are there for me and that love me, but it’s not the same as being loved by a person that will love you no matter what.

Throughout my problems there was a boy who was there for me, no matter what, whenever I needed someone to talk to. This was a bit weird because I don't like talking about my problems with anyone, but with him it was different. I can’t really describe it, but it just was different. He was always there for me. He would always check up on me, making sure I was doing good.

Then one day walking to class, my best friend Saydi asked me this, “Bry, I have a question for you. Do you like Freddy?” I told her no and asked her why she had asked me this. “I don't know. I thought you'd have feelings towards him since you guys are so close.” I always would rethink that conversion with my best friend. The only reason I told her no was because I didn't like sharing my feelings. In reality, I did know that I liked him, but I was scared of rejection and being hurt again.

As time passed I started to realize that I needed to at least tell him, just in case I had a shot; I knew if I didn't I would regret it. So, one night I texted him telling him I liked him because I was too scared to tell him face to face. He told me that he liked me back and had liked me from the start. After a while, he asked me to be his girlfriend, and I said yes. That's been the best decision I've ever made. I would say he has actually shown me what it is to be loved and cared for. I think I found a person that will be by my side throughout anything I go through. Good or bad he'll always be there for me.

Although my parents didn’t tell me they loved me so often, I know they care a lot for me. I never thought I could be loved, but here I am today, surrounded by people who love me unconditionally. Therefore, I'm grateful for my parents, my family, my friends, but mainly my boyfriend, for bringing my spark back and showing me what it means to be loved.

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