The definition of ‘finding love’ has definitely changed for our generation. For some, they find love in themselves and that’s enough. For others, they find it in their passion for work. The need to find it in another person is no longer as prevalent as before. And I guess you could say, for better or for worse, this is what gave rise to the hookup culture. In our strive to be independent, we sometimes take it too far and completely close ourselves off from others.
But even then, there are those stolen moments in which you catch yourself thinking about the ‘what if’. You can’t help but imagine a life where you have that someone special to share it all with. The one who knows you so well, they’d ace every quiz about you. The one you can bare it all with. That special one for the long haul.
Los Angeles-based artist Amanda Oleander puts these stolen thoughts onto paper with her illustrations. She perfectly shows what love looks like when no one’s watching in a long-term relationship.
She draws inspiration from her own relationship and from those around her. But one thing remains common in all her illustrations. It’s all about the simple moments in life.
1. The third person in bed. Your hair.
2. When one kiss can melt you into a puddle of love.
3. Nothing beats getting pampered by your SO.
4. The simplest way to confirm your love for each other.
5. They become your human diary.
6. When you can let your inner child run free with their cute little customs.
7. You always have an in-house butler. A cute one that too.
8. Grooming each other becomes a favourite pass time.
9. When nowhere else feels more like home.
10. You’ll always have an adventure buddy ready to go.
11. Stolen moments where the rest of the world doesn’t matter anymore.
12. Even your mess is cute for them.
13. When personal space fits two.
14. Even Netflix can’t beat this.
15. When they know exactly how to make your day just a little brighter.
16. Risking a shower together despite their questionable water temperature preferences.
17. Having someone to hold you in those moments of existential crisis.
18. When you always have a dance partner for impromptu dance urges.
19. Cuddling can get a bit out of hand sometimes.
20. One goodbye kiss is never enough.
True love is not about grand gestures and flashy social media PDAs. It’s about going back to the raw untouched potential of being one in two bodies. No giant Insta-worthy teddy bear can beat the feeling of coming home to your true love.