Love is the feeling that you give and receive or the feeling that someone gives and receives. It is also the awareness of the bond of love between two people, one who gives and receives love, and the other who receives it. In my opinion, love is more than a feeling; it is a practice that will bring about an emotional bond in your life with someone special.
Love encompasses a wide range of positive and powerful emotional states, from the strongest interpersonal bond or highest ideals, to the easiest natural, enjoyable pleasure. Love is also an attitude of gratitude toward someone or something. This sense of gratitude can be expressed both verbally and non-verbally–by raising one’s hand or arm, smiling broadly, laughing, and so on. Love is also about feeling beautiful, cherished, valued, accepted, and lovable. Love feels good; therefore, you are able to love someone and you will also enjoy being loved.
Love is a form of intimacy. Intimacy is the conscious recognition of another person or animal’s unique power, value, and position in the relationship. It is a state of being close, of sharing the same space, or body, as another person or animal. Intimacy is a union of the body, mind, and spirit. When we are close to others we begin to experience what Joseph Campbell called our “intimate feeling for others.”
The best definition of love is the “unconditional love of a friend.” Unconditional love: this means “there is no demand or expectation of repayment” (ibid). I would define true love as “the respect, caring, emotional support, and personal energy that a person gives another in return for that person’s respect, caring, support, and personal energy.” In my view, true love is the opposite of lust. True love gives a person respect, appreciation, and emotional energy.
The best definition of love includes feelings, which can be very powerful, yet even stronger than the physical aspects of relationships. Emotions are powerful when they are felt, accepted, and utilized in a healthy way, but emotions can get out of hand if they are used compulsively. These compulsions can negatively impact the physical health, and well-being, of a person. As well, compulsions can destroy relationships, marriages, and family.
Love is not always easy. It requires strong feelings, intimacy, respect, and protection from anger and aggression. We have to learn to be quiet and serene when we are in love. There are different types of love, although most of them begin with intimacy and caring. As you continue to read on, you will learn more about the different types of love, and how these different types of love include feelings, intimacy, respect, protection, and passion.