Love is one of the most powerful emotions in human life. It has inspired many songs and books, and it is a major topic for conversation and debate. But what does it really mean?
People have a wide range of ideas about what it means to love, and some believe that there are certain characteristics that define it. Others argue that it is a feeling, or an experience, or a combination of both. In any case, it is certainly not easy to describe in words.
Throughout history, philosophers and scientists have discussed and explored the nature of love. For example, the Greek philosopher Plato thought that love might be a feeling that’s out of your control – but it also might be something that you choose to do, like creating loving relationships with people who help each other change and grow into their best selves.
But even though there are a lot of different definitions of love, there is one thing all of them have in common: a desire to connect with other people. It’s the reason we create and share music, art and movies, and why we spend time talking about our loves, our dreams and our struggles. It’s the reason we want to know more about someone and why we find comfort in knowing that they have our back, no matter what.
In addition, people often use the word “love” as a way to communicate that they value another person’s well-being and happiness more than their own. It’s the kind of love that it takes to care for a sick child, or to give up an organ to keep someone alive. It’s the kind of love that we talk about when we say things like, “I’d die for you,” or, “You’re my true soul mate.”
It’s important to note that not everyone experiences love in the same way, and that is normal. But regardless of how you feel about someone, there are ways to cultivate and strengthen your relationships by following some simple principles.
1. Love is a choice.
If you understand love as a feeling, it’s not hard to see why so many people get in and out of relationships with ease. You might fall for someone because their smile brightens your day, or their voice makes you happy. When you’re in the throes of romantic love, your brain’s regions associated with focus and craving are activated, and you might experience physiological arousal. These are all signs that you’re in love.
But if you understand love as a choice, it’s harder to make a relationship last when those feelings disappear or get put on hold by life events like job changes and moves. In order to maintain a relationship, you must be willing to work at it – and this means enacting the right values, including respect and empathy. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.