Some of you might read this title and think, "What does this 23 year old girl know about love or cooking?" You'd be right in questioning me; I'm currently single and am a novice cook at best, but I have seen the relationship between cooking and love. I've watched my grandma lovingly prepare dinner for my grandpa, I've seen the joy a simple batch of cookies can bring to somebody, and I've seen the way that ice cream seems to magically heal a broken heart. I've watched as baking cookies has become a favorite family tradition, and I've learned that food really is the way to a man's heart! I might not have much experience in love or food, but I've been taught six lessons that I'd like to share with you.

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Lesson #1: Always have a batch of cookies on hand!
It doesn't matter if the cookies are chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter, or sugar, having a batch already baked or ready to throw in the oven is never a bad idea. A freshly baked cookie can make any bad day better. Delivering a plate of cookies to your friend or neighbor will lift their spirits and put a smile on their face. They'll appreciate the fact you went of your way to bring them something!

Another added bonus of having cookies on hand: you never know who will stop by! Your guests will love the cookies!

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Lesson #2: If you're single make more sandwiches, and men will eat anything!
Admittedly this is a rather silly lesson, but it's one I've learned. If you're female and single, try making more sandwiches. I was talking to one of my good guy friends, and we were talking about dating and things of that nature. He asked me if I was dating anybody and I told him no. He asked why and I told him, "Well nobody ever asks." He then said, "do you make sandwiches?" I was taken back and asked, "no, why" He then told me that guys love sandwiches and that any guy would be thrilled if a girl brought him a sandwich. I guess I'll have to give that a try!

Another lesson I've learned about men and cooking is that they will eat anything. If you're interested in someone bake him something. Even if you aren't the best cook and it comes out a little overdone, most men will eat it anyway and they will really appreciate it!

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Lesson #3: Baking leads to bonding and fond memories!
If you're like me then it's probably true that some of your favorite childhood memories involve spending time in the kitchen with your family and friends. For as long as I can remember my family has always baked Christmas cookies. Growing up it was one of my favorite things about the holiday season, and to this day it is something I look forward to. I'm the youngest of five children and I only see some of my siblings during the holiday season, so when we get together to bake these cookies, it's a time for us to catch up, re-establish our relationships, and create wonderful memories.

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Lesson #4: Eating together builds relationships!
Think about any party you've ever been to, it's always kind of awkward until the food comes, then people open up and become talkative. It's easy to see why eating together would help build relationships. Eating as a family or group of friends gives you a chance to catch up with everyone and to just enjoy each other's company. The only way to build a relationship is to interact with one another, and the easiest place to do that is around a table!

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Lesson #5: Ice cream heals broken hearts and hurt feelings!
This is another semi-silly lesson, but it's true. There's nothing that a scoop of yummy ice cream can't help, even if it's only temporary. Ice cream is the food equivalent of a hug. It's always there for you!

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Lesson #6: Preparing a meal for someone is a sign of love!
Unless preparing meals is part of your job description, no one forces you to cook something for somebody. You do it because you want to; because you like that person and you want to show that you care. Don't get me wrong there are lots of different types of love, neighborly love, romantic love, friendship love, and love for your fellow man, and cooking or preparing a meal for somebody includes all these types of love. By making someone dinner or bringing them a plate of brownies you let them know that they are cared about and what could be more important than that?

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These are the lessons I've learned so far, and I'm sure that as I gain more experience in love and cooking, I'll learn more lessons and be able to use the ones I've already learned. What has cooking taught you about love? Leave a comment below!