What is true love?
Being that it is still the month of love, why not talk about the true meaning of love. Love is that thing that makes you feel safe, valued, understood, and ultimately happy. But what does it mean to truly love another person? While most think of others when the topic of love comes up, don’t forget to include yourself. The same principles that we hold when it comes to loving others can be used for loving yourself as well. Below are a few aspects of love that can help in your relationship with others as well as yourself.
1) Acceptance without judgment. There is nothing better than just feeling ‘at home’ with another person. It’s like you all have known each other forever, but as powerful as that is, it’s not love. That is amazing chemistry. Love is a choice. When you love someone, you have to accept them for who they are. Although they may do things that get on your nerves or have a point of view that you will never agree with, you love them anyway. If you love someone, it means that while you may want growth for them, you are not trying to change them into the person you want them to be. You are choosing to accept them for who they are, and loving them in spite of the flaws they may have.
2) Love is imperfect. That has to be one of my favorite parts about love because it is always relevant. Life is not perfect, so why should love be? There will be highs and lows to love, but that is part of what makes the journey so beautiful. Sometimes, you will have to carry the heavier load in the relationship or turn the other cheek to keep the peace. There will also be times when someone may have to do the same for you. There will be times when you don’t know what the future is going to look like, but you choose to stumble your way through it anyways. All of these imperfect pieces to the puzzle are what add to the masterpiece. Not just the butterflies and roses.
3) Love perseveres. That’s the difference between a fling and the real thing. You constantly choose to find a way forward, because it is worth it. All relationships whether it be with family, friends, or significant others will come to a point where you are at a crossroads. Despite all of the things that irk you to your core and all of the things you have had to endure, you still choose to push forward and find a way through because of the love that you’ve built with someone. Real and genuine love is hard to find. So, when you find it, make sure you do everything you can to foster and nurture it. Although you will have to fight for love, it will also fight for you too. Nothing worth having is ever easy; love is no exception.
So! Try to keep these aspects in mind while making sure your loved ones know how much they mean to you. Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to show your appreciation, but real love is constant and not to be saved only for holidays or big occasions.