I’ve watched so many romance movies that portray this picture of what love should look like: it should be love or hate at first sight, then an incident that brings them together occurs. Conflict arises along the way and then when that’s resolved, it’s the happy ending.

Many people see that as a perfect ‘relationship’. I see that as boring! Why would I want love that’s like everyone else’s? I’ve read the likes of Simphiwe Molaba’s When Life Gives You Lemons and most of Dudu Busani-Dube’s works, Naledi: His Love being my absolute favourite – I mean, who could turn a blind eye to the rich Zulu men who are willing to give their women everything? People might disagree though; some might say, “Who wants an obsessive love?” I think I do!

There is an app that I blame for my sudden change of heart towards love. Wattpad. All those who read Wattpad stories would know. That is my personal form of an addiction, it’s so bad, to a point where I can’t even sleep without reading something. If anyone was ever to go through my reading list, they would find Mafia romance stories dominating it.

There’s something alluring about men in power. I don’t know what it is, but it has my stomach churning. Then there are billionaire romance books here and there. I find the obsession, possession and dominance that these men have so fascinating, like every aspect of their being revolves around their women. I’m not talking about the “If I can’t have you no one can” type of obsession but rather the “I can’t live without you” type that is reciprocated. I know I’m going back on my words here but bear with me, please. I’ve had an eye-opening moment.

You all should already know my age from ‘Another Year’, and I’m not one for rushing into relationships (could be because I’m picky) but something always runs through my mind every time I find someone I’d consider being in a relationship with. You could be thinking, “How do you know if they are the one, and not the one you settle for because you can’t find/haven’t found the one?” If you happen to get married, fall out of love with the supposed ‘one’ and find another one to marry, doesn’t that mean you can’t actually say a person is the right one for you?

I’m getting off track! I want a passion-filled romance that will not fade with age or with understanding the other, or getting used to seeing that person every day. I want someone who understands the meaning of forever. Is that too much to ask? I’d appreciate good looks, a hefty bank account, forehead kisses, and a God-first type of man. All the things that I’ve come to realise are too superficial in the world today. I can’t have a full package, but that doesn’t mean I can’t dream.

Tell us: What are your thoughts about this essay on love?