The way in which people love one another is as interesting and diverse as how they show their love.

Some people love in an abstract sort of way. I’m related to you, so I love you. But when it comes between their own comfort or routine and the more distant needs of that relative, the urgency would have to be great to impel them to do something outside that comfort zone.

Some people love so thoroughly it’s almost smothering, but very comforting. They want to be there for you so much that they practically want to crawl inside your skin and be there with you through the big and little ups and downs of every single day.

Some people love with their whole hearts and it doesn’t matter how long it’s been since you’ve seen or spoken to one another. There’s just always that instant connection of love and togetherness, a bond that just strengthens as you grow. If you need them they will drop everything, and vice versa.

Some people love insecurely, constantly afraid something could happen that would shatter the relationship.

Some people love with small gestures and just sharing their lives each day, being there for the ups and downs and the boring sameness that is most days.

They say animals can give unconditional love. Every day at 4:30 is a special time when the usually-self-contained Leela (who is more attached to Peter than myself) demands loving attention from me. When I sleep in, I also often find Leela curled up next to or on me. Stewie (who attached himself to me as a kitten) has a very needy, but companionable, love. When he gets cuddly, he will look up at me like I’m his world. When he isn’t feeling cuddly, but senses my need for it, he will curl up on the couch just barely within reach or stretch out on the ottoman. When I’m up late, he comes down with me, occasionally yelling at me to get to bed, and then eventually follows me back upstairs.

It’s amazing how many more ways people love that I didn’t even mention. But then, everyone and every interpersonal relationship is different.