Love...

Love; one of the purest and precious emotions mankind feels. As I start writing (typing will be an apt word here) about love, I have a smile on my face and I wish to pour my heart into this blog. It becomes easier for humans like you and me to assume that others are more fortunate when it comes to love. But a subtle touch of reality and believe me; everybody has to go through phases of love and no love. Yet, love prevails.

What kind of love am I talking about? There are number of labels that can be attached to different kinds of love. To make it simple, considered here is love that holds two individuals in a romantic relationship and love in general which bonds two individuals who aren't dating. 

Nelson Mandela said, "Love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite." If one is to reflect; didn't we take time and reasons to hate? While, love happens; and there need not be reasons to feel it. 

There are several theories of love. Sternberg's triangular theory of love (1988) has my heart. It highlights 3 components of love: first, Passion; which is an intense physical attraction towards each other. Secondly, Intimacy; refers to the sharing of feelings, personal thoughts and psychological closeness with the other person, third, a conscious decision to stay together i.e. Commitment. Liking is based on intimacy alone, infatuation has only support of passion, and mere commitment makes it an empty love. Romantic love is built on intimacy and passion. Companionate love includes intimacy and commitment. Consummate love, is made up of intimacy, passion and commitment.

 

Irrespective of the kind of love, when it comes to two individuals, it is two personalities that bond based on one emotion felt towards each other. Love is a union, which holds them by an invisible string. When both individuals have a breathing space where they grow and strive towards becoming a better version of themselves, they stay. When each feels respected and valued by the other, when there's dedication to make it through the uncomfortable conversation and not leaving hands (in literary sense) what ever the struggle may be; staying is a choice. Expression, clear communication, genuine concern, understanding, forgiveness, consistency and efforts are essential aspects of any relationship that is built on love. I personally strongly believe in the power of laughter and fun. Humor has been known for its magical effects and you can count on it.

 

It is possible that you might have had bitter experiences  because someone was not considerate of your emotions, you might have broken someone emotionally even if you did not intend to do so, things didn't work or turn as you thought it would...I can understand the amount of emotional pain this can bring. However lets not give more power to the bitter experiences over the precious emotion such as love. It is not always lovy-dovy and yet love becomes a beautiful pursuit. 

Loving means being brave enough to invest in another individual; investing our time, energy and a part of our soul that vows to be there for them when they are at their lowest and cheer up when they are at their best. 

As much as love is about staying, it is about hundred reasons to not make the other person leave. Its in those little things that you do for your loved ones, because you love them infinitely and deeply. You love them even if you have arguments. It is love which makes presence felt even in absence. Its in the smile that you observe when she is asleep. Sometimes it is the way he doesn't say out loud how much you mean to him. 

Love means to not take your person for granted.

Saying I Love You, and to mean every bit of it. 

At the end of the day, close your eyes and ask yourself: Is it love? Am I loved? Do I love enough? If answer is yes; you are blessed more than you are aware of. 

Here's to love!