It’s funny how love is labeled—romantic love, passionate love, funny love, a mother’s love. We assign these adjectives according to the recipient, or so it seems in this structured way of understanding love. But what if love didn’t have to be labeled, giving us permission to love in a broader, deeper way?

I love/loved someone very deeply that has since passed on. He was one of my best friends. I was often met with scepticism about our relationship not being romantic because we were of the opposite sex. I couldn’t explain it except that it was just different. Eventually I was given an understanding of what “it” was—just love.

This friend of mine was diagnosed with ALS. Time was against him in a bad way. He wasn’t shy about saying, “I love you.” I eventually gave in and said it too. And then it became a regular thing. I said/say it not only to him, but to others in my life that I may have previously hesitated saying it to for fear of misunderstanding. Love, in its purest form, really leaves no room for misinterpretation. It is a human and divine connection. There is no formula and there are no recipient specifications. “Just love” is pure and raw, and to feel it is freedom. Remove the label and feel the expansion of your heart when you share this powerful sentiment in a genuine way.

I just love you.