Emotions in sobriety can be very overwhelming, love being no exception. For so many years in active addiction I used love as a form of manipulation. Personally, for me, it was almost as if I had to re-learn how to love all over again. I had to learn how to love my family with no ulterior motives. I had to learn to love people for who they are rather than for how they would profit me. During early recovery this was a huge challenge for me. Then I met my current girlfriend. The love I felt for her from day one was like nothing I had ever experienced before. I knew from the start that it was going to be different. She has such a kind, genuine, and pure demeanor. I knew I wanted to be with her for no other reason than for who she is as a person. It was frightening to have such strong feelings for a woman after only knowing her for such a brief period of time. It was all so foreign to me and it made me question if I had ever truly loved another woman before. A year later, she has been the best thing that has ever happened to me and I thank God daily for bringing her into my life.