This Is Not Love

This is not love.

I haven't ever found it, but I know it's not this.

Love is respect, kindness, and true friendship.

It is not based on convenience or mood swings.

There should never be more days with tears than with smiles.

There should not be constant questioning of the relationship;

if it is love, you would know.

There should not be midnight Google searches for signs you are not in love or breakup quizzes.

There should be mutual respect; not double standards or put-downs or inequality.

Most aspects of life should be agreed upon, not fought over.

And fights should have a goal that is not winning or hurting.

It is always wishing for one more minute, one more kiss, one more hug, not waiting to get it over with.

I should not have my heart cracked a little more each day by you,

and you should stop cracking it when I tell you that you are.

What I want is not this. What I want is real love.