The thing about never dating anyone is knowing love.

They all talk about their boyfriends and I sit and smile gently and listen and laugh and give advice.  Their hearts are wrapped into a relationship, and sitting from the outside I can see the flaws and I can see the need for the physical instead of true love.

I know love.  I know that most of the time love is self-sacrificing, laying down my need to speak to simply listen to someone else's problems or joys in life.

I know that often time love is asking someone else about their life, even though at first you don't want to hear about their's all you care about is yours. 

I know what is like to see someone that you love so much brush you off or be in love with someone.  I know what it is like to listen to their blushing stories and encourage them with nods.

But, I've also seen the outcome of all this stuff.  

I remember the night I was shaking in unspoken fear and trying to breathe.  I remember my text saying, "Please, I need to talk to someone."

He answered, "I'm here." 

I could breathe again.  I fell asleep thanking God for him.

I remember the night that I saw the high winds and storms and I didn't want to drive home.

"I don't want you driving home like that," she said. "C'mon, I'll take you home."

We got home, her car almost swerving off the road a few times.  She played ironic upbeat music and I tried breathe.

I thanked God for her.

I remember when my grandpa died.  I wished for him, but she showed and held me while I let out all my grief. 

I thanked God that someone cared.

So, maybe I've never been in a serious relationship.

But that doesn't mean I don't know what true love is.