Valentine's Day is here. People from various walks of life tell Monarose Sheila Pereira what love means to them. Over to them...

Raj Naik, student, MMK College

We always look for love that we want to see or we want to feel, a love that fills us up, a love that validates us and love that is important to us but not the reality. Love can be different and difficult; it can be beautiful but it can be miserable too. I always thought that people leave but love stays forever within one’s heart and it is just passed on to other people in the form of relationships. No matter how bad the circumstances may be or hurt the person might be, love never changes. There is always a soft spot for that one person who made you feel special, made you feel better about yourself. So, I think that love never dies.

Ethan Bradford, Student, Bombay Scottish

To me, love is kindness, endearment, and youthfulness, it is ageless - it can make you giggle, it can make you blush. It can make you feel like a kid again no matter how old you are. Every step of it is equally as important as the next. They say blood is thicker than water, but love is something that I've received and given as an equal. I think love can be nurtured and it is also a part of our nature. I think it can slap you in the face without you even realizing its presence. But it's always a welcomed companion.

Jal Naidu, Administrator

Love is something in which you know her sadness, happiness, what she likes, to understand her as though she is a child, the arguments that get you angry and calm you down by surprise. You want her to be a part of your pain and joy and stand shoulder to shoulder with you. Love has so many feelings that you would like to listen to her voice, share words that give comfort to one another; love has so many feelings that you heart is perpetually overjoyed.

Neha Singh, Student, National College

In today’s times, love is what everyone wants in life. Since childhood, we have heard many love stories like Heer Ranjha, Romeo Juliet, Laila Majnu and more. We are in love with the idea of love, which is how perfect it looks! Occasionally we love the person because they fulfill our expectations. Is this what ideal love looks like? Well, for me, the definition of love is slightly different. According to me, love is pure intention - just like a mother loves her children unconditionally. Love teaches us countless things like understanding, patience and most importantly trust. We can fall in love with someone special and can fall out of love too, and it’s completely okay! To love someone conditionally is not love. We should fall in love with ourselves first. Each one of us should start loving our flaws, understand insecurities and deal with them. If you love yourself, then you can love someone else wholeheartedly.

What does love mean to you?