hayao miyazaki said it best:

“i’ve become skeptical of the unwritten rule that just because a boy and girl appear in the same feature, a romance must ensue. rather, i want to portray a slightly different relationship, one where the two mutually inspire each other to live—if i’m able to, then perhaps i’ll be closer to portraying a true expression of love.”

“once you have met someone, you never really forget them.”

love is inspiring the other person to reach their full potential, to coat their life in a little layer of hope and ambition, to steal a few of their thoughts and have them meander in your own thoughts as well.

romance isn't the precursor to love. sure it helps, but it's not fully indicative.

love is simply. pure happiness for another's sake, happiness that shakes and spins and spawns joy that makes you wish to live, to laugh more, to jump a little higher and smile a little brighter.

that is all. steady adoration and falling apart, but only to be whole with them once again.

not sure if any of this makes sense, but neither does love.