Since the dawn of civilization man has improved his way of life considerably, he has gained knowledge and understanding of the universe around him, yet has never fully grasped the concept of love. Love is the one true need in everyone, be it a need for acceptance, companionship, or understanding. Love adds a meaning and purposefulness to life beyond that of simply existing. It also answers the greatest question of all, why do we exist.

In the book Wicked by Gregory Maguire the main character Elphaba (a young Wicked Witch of the West) falls in love with an Arjiki tribe prince named Fiyero. Fiyero a handsome and strapping man was sought after by many of the more beautiful and prominent girls at the University. Elphaba whose green skin separated her from the others, gave up on trying to catch his eye at school. A few years later Fiyero finally catches up to her and admits his love to her to which she responds in kind. They both lament at their lack of a stronger relationship during their University years. When Elphaba needed to go on a secret mission to protect who she cared for, Fiyero was caught in the crossfire while trying to protect Elphaba. This is one of the more pure examples of true love. Wicked is a story that gives a deep insite into the truth of love and what sacrifices people will make for it. It’s lacking in the mystical qualities and exaggerations most stories have about true love.

There are many different meanings of the word love, both literal and philosophical. Each meaning is based solely upon ones understanding and interpretation. The interpretation itself will be impacted greatly by one’s life experiences. It is this unique outlook of a personality that distinguishes each human being from another. However, the truth of this is that human beings remain similar no matter how individualistic they try to become. So there are standards in which we can explain love. Based on research done by Neil Clark Warren, the chairman and co-founder of eHarmony, there are four categories upon which two people have to be compatible in order to find true love; character/constitution, personality, emotional makeup, and family values. These values cover most areas for compatibility perfection, but it’s not an exact science. In the Merriam-Webster dictionary love is defined in a few ways; a strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties, an attraction based on sexual desire, or an affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests. These are simply definitions but what are the meanings behind them.

           The first and probably simplest of these to explain is the sexual desire. It has been argued quite often that this is not a form of love but just a physical lust. When looked at in context of a man sleeping with a woman for a one-night-stand then this is absolutely true. Yet in most of these situation there was a twisting of love so that it could be used to facilitate the one-night-stand. Today’s society has changed things so dramatically that intercourse is now referred to as making love ( this is where a lot of the confusion originates). In most situations a woman is lead to believe that she and a man are in love and that it is a true love. She would then be willing to have intercourse because of this deceptive ruse. The man simply has lust; the woman has a delusion of love. Do not be confused, there sometimes is quite a bit of lust in an actual couples love relationship, but do not confuse love with lust.

           An affection based upon an admiration is generally associated with that of a friendship. There is a general affection toward another person because that person has certain qualities that another likes and if the affection is shared then the two would become friends. There are many reasons for these friendships; a need for acceptance, admiration, or just plain old companionship. These friendships are most often beneficial to both and fill some kind of need. 

An affection based upon kinship is very strong. A mother who loves her child is a very specific type of love. It is similar to that the one feels towards a family member; brothers, sister, parents all fall into this category. This kinship is normally felt in families that are very close, because there is a sense of trust and loyalty that bonds them together as more than just related. Usually in these types of relationships the family will stand together through much adversity and see it through to the end. This one of the strongest forms of love there is.

           True love… the greatest cliché of all. This form has been given a mythical aura from all the stories, fairytales, and movies that refer to it. From movies such as “Enchanted” true love is the most powerful thing in the universe. When put into real life true love is much deeper than words can fully describe. This kind of love is the hardest to find. In a true love relationship, there is a pureness of self that has never been experienced before. This pureness flows into everything that the couple does. It creates a happiness inside both of the people, that is unwavering against any hardship. They’ll fight through and pull each other through the thick and thin. When people refer to true love’s power the truth was that it is so powerful that it not only affects those who experience it, but it is also felt by those around. This kind also lasts even after a loved one passes away. Love is a very powerful and mysterious force. It’s the reason a man would charge into a building to save his wife. It’s the reason a boy comes to his brother’s aid against terrible odds. It’s the reason a mom can lift a car to save an infant. Those who have found true love find that it adds the final piece to make their lives whole. The definition of the word ‘love’ goes beyond any written meaning we can imagine. It is best explained by those who have experienced it. As for the ultimate question, why do we exist. We exist for the sole purpose of finding love and happiness and sharing it with the rest of the world.