Saturday, February 10, 2018

What is love? | Part 1

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”


How wonderful it is to wake up every day knowing that you are in love and that someone loves you back. That romantic feeling is intensified on February; the love month, by advertisements, promotions, and greetings that highlight what society dictates to be done this time of the year.


A simple question and answer turned serious talk among my friends when I asked them their definition of love. It was intended for my discussion class last month but I thought it wouldn’t hurt to share their view on this so popular emotion.


The majority said that love is sacrificing. We give something of ourselves up for the happiness of someone time, efforts, you name it. They continued that by doing so, relationships are strengthened. Compromising came in second; giving and taking, meeting halfway, and all that. Being contented even though we get less than what we are giving. Then suddenly everyone was comparing, justifying, and going against each other’s thoughts of the matter. The rule was to define love with a word and use a sentence to support it. So I had to cut them off and move on before it escalated into a fight. 


One in another group shyly mentioned that understanding is what love is; no matter the differences.  And by understanding, we come to accept the person as a whole both strengths and weaknesses. The discussion came to a halt when someone said “love is in our hearts. We do everything to trust and be trusted in return. Through trust, respect, and open communication blossom, making a good relationship.” (jaw dropped)


All these interpretations are just a few of the many we can come up with. 


Whatever meaning we believe in (or even though we don't), clearly love never fails and we have the power to build a strong foundation for lasting love for what it’s worth. Happy Valentine’s Day.