On a series of walks with my camera in the weeks before Valentine’s Day, I stopped the people I saw on our winter-quiet streets and beaches to ask them about their thoughts on love. In one way or another, many of them said, “It’s hard to describe.” But then they told me about acceptance, happiness, trouble, true love, and poems.
Galileo Bonfini / Provincetown
I truly believe that there is love at first sight or true love. The first time I ever experienced it was the birth of my first child. The second time was the birth of my second child. And the third time was the birth of my granddaughter.
Asia Huoy / Wellfleet
Love — it’s so hard to describe. It’s something that grows and expands. You learn about that other person, and you love them for their flaws, their characteristics that you are not used to. Love. You just learn and keep going with it.
Julia Salinger / Wellfleet
Oh boy. I have never been very good at love, I have to say. I made some very interesting choices along the way and now, at the age I am at, I am single by choice. Love is just more trouble than it’s worth.
Andrew Whittle / Provincetown
I think love is a choice. It’s something you can recommit to every year. Love and commitment is hard to keep, so when you find it, cherish it.
Paulette Durazo / Truro
I am redefining love right now. It’s not what’s on TV or in books. It’s more about respecting the other person and accepting. I thought love was passion but the whole idea about love that I grew up with — that’s not it. It’s different.
Surfers: Joe, Josh Heddy / Wellfleet
Josh: Love is essential. Joe: That would be it. It’s hard to find. When you find it, keep it. Josh: It’s important to give each other their own time.
Alexandra Atwood / Provincetown
Thoughts about love? I am probably the worst person to ask. I think just walking together on the beach, just being with each other, in each other’s presence, understanding each other, having boundaries, having space.
Joe McLoughlin / Wellfleet
Love has made me a happier person. Marrying my wife was the happiest day of my life. I have memories of us when we first starting dating, years ago, walking around Boston in the snow. That just felt right, you know.
Linda Ohlson Graham / Provincetown
I sailed years ago thousands of miles with someone who was a bartender at the A-House and I loved him dearly. And then I was married to an older gentleman who had a museum in his home, and it was really something. I have written poems about both of them.
