We took to the streets surrounding The Royal Exchange to ask the City community to share their thoughts on the topic of love. In this special series, we find out #WhatLoveIs to Londoners today.

BOBBY, 42, PARTNER

“I think love is a state of euphoria and bliss that can only be felt. Even after all this time, the sun never says to the earth “you owe me”. Look what happens with a love like that… it lights up the galaxy!

I’m not a big fan of romantic movies. They have a place I suppose, but we’re constantly being shown how to behave/how to be/what an ideal situation may look like, and I’d rather create my own story. My love story definitely starts with my parents. Their unconditional relationship and selflessness towards each other and those they are surrounded by shows me how to be a better person to myself and others. I love them for being who they are. For the completely unconditional sacrifice they make every day and for teaching me through their actions that love without integrity is false and temporary. I’ve flown someone to another country just because. I’ve bought big gifts too but I’ve realised showing love through such gestures makes it temporary. Giving myself unconditionally to someone and letting them know I am there for them irrespective of how they may feel or what state they are in is quite possibly the most loving thing I can do.

I fall in love every day. I have learnt to love myself for who I am. It may sound totally narcissistic but loving the soul that inhabits your physical person first will allow you to appreciate and nurture the love that you are surrounded by. When it’s real, love is priceless. It makes the world a better place. If only we learnt to love our world more, it would be a much better place to live in.

People should love unconditionally and with reckless abandon. You cannot put a quantum or price on love. If you love, love completely. Cherish it, say it, but most importantly, show it. Never take your physical presence in this world for granted. Say you love too much, show you love too much and love too much. Everything is temporary but love. Love outlives us all. Let the love you put out to the universe be your legacy…”

Join the conversation about #WhatLoveIs by sharing your thoughts with us on Instagram @theroyalexchange and Twitter @rexshopper