Our contemporary capitalist structures push one specific notion of what love entails: a singular fairy-tale-like romantic bond between a man and a woman. In reality, this representation does not encapsulate the diverse existence of the phenomena. Love actually exists in a multitude of ways and so does intimacy. These feelings, when more holistically comprehended, show us what it truly means for us to open our hearts up and allow for them to converse with one another.

Love and intimacy transcend the physical and figurative shackles that have a hold on us. They remind us that even though the horrors persist, so do we. The permanence of these systems which strive to present themselves as concrete is revealed as deceiving when we realize the small examples of resistance against them are quite powerful and effective. It is through indulging ourselves in these feelings and emotions that we begin to recognize each other’s humanity. Just a brief glimpse into some inspiring liaisons really solidifies the value in opening yourself up. When we trustingly put our soul in the hands of another, we risk being hurt but we also create an opportunity to become deeply intertwined with others. In allowing ourselves to embrace intimacy, we must fulfill the demand of love. Our feelings will support us in the process but it is up to us to channel them to not only aspire for a truly equitable and loving world, but also fight for the current loveless one to be terminated.

As Octavia E. Butler put it, “All that you touch, you change. All that you change, changes you” (Butler, 1993).