What is that feeling of love we all so desperately search for and desire to make our lives feel satisfied and complete? What is the true meaning of being in love? I once read that love is friendship caught on fire. It takes root and grows one day at a time.
I have often questioned what love is and if it has a different meaning for everyone. I have engaged in lengthy conversations with friends about the meaning of love and each seems to vary to some degree in their belief, meaning, and understanding. Many described love as the feeling you have when you first meet someone and the glow of happiness that overwhelms you. From there it is history. Is that real love and can it really last?
We have all had the feeling of sweaty palms, racing heart, and the lump in our throat when that special person enters the room. Is it love or like? How about the feeling of not being able to take your eyes or hands off someone, is that love or lust? Is it love or luck if you are with a person who you aim to showing off as you stroll down the street? What is love?
Would you consider it love or loneliness when you simply want someone just because you know he/she will always be there? Would you remain in a relationship because that is what you both think you want? Is that love or loyalty. Do you stay in a relationship because you do not want to hurt the others feelings. Is that love or pity? Do you express to your partner everyday that you only think of them. It that love or a lie? What is love?
One theory of Love has three components passion, intimacy, and commitment. Passion is the physical arousal and feeling of being attracted to someone. Intimacy develops over time through communication and sharing. Intimacy is what makes you want to be emotionally supportive and share your life. It presents as a feeling of connectedness. Commitment is the promise to continue strengthening the feeling of love and maintaining the relationship. Commitment is the desire to be in a serious relationship and to be persevering through the tough times.
This is only one theory of love but it expresses three important factors when it comes to truly being in love. There is a delicate balance, individual to each of us. If you are going to spend the rest of your life with someone what is the feeling you want to have each time you are with that person. Do not miss understand, life is not perfect and presents many challenges but really what is the feeling of love that will make you feel whole?
I believe love is the quiet understanding you have for another and the mature acceptance of their imperfections. Love gives you strength and grows bigger than you. I believe love is the feeling of warmth that comes over you when you think of your partner whether they are near or far. Love is trust and maturation of a friendship.
When you are truly in love you should feel calm and secure, unthreatened. Real love will make you feel whole and content. It completes the circle of life. Love lifts your spirit makes you feel optimistic and can make you a better person.
- Dr. Dionne Kress, DM
