We are highly social creatures. We show personal interest in others from an early age, and begin to explore romance early. We practice relationships, trying and failing, learn from our mistakes, and improve with experience. Romantic associations form and crumble. Young people and old folks fall in and out of love in a perpetual quest for success and happiness. This drive for love never ceases, and continue to propel us into new relationships throughout our life.
Love is not logical. It is not tradable, chosen, or controlled in any way. Love challenges the strength and abilities of our emotional range. Love is seeking the unattainable, the out-of-reach, the unimaginable. Love expands our hopes, desires, and imagination to the outer space of reality. Love is human.
Love in an oscillating state of mind. As much as we wish for, it does not always result in equal or reciprocal relationships. Some of these relationships may exist only in our mind, with or without the awareness of the subject of our affection. Middle school style crushes inflict adults too. Nothing in the real world could bring them to fruition. The reasons can be many. The desired person may in a relationship, there could be personal/political/physical divides between you and that person, they may be unaware of you, or simply not interested.
Maintaining feelings for someone in this way is painful and torturous. You may wish for the pain to be gone and release your soul from its grip, but at the same time accept and embrace it for what it does give you. Trying to reduce or reverse your feelings toward that person will require some fundamental changes in you, which may result in a diminished form of yourself. When it comes to navigating the illogical ocean of love, being unable to love is the poorest option. You would not want to be that person.
Love is not rational. You love who you love, as much as, and however you can, whatever the cost is. Each person loves in their own unique way. If any of it seem easier, it isn’t really love.
And there it is. There is no simple set of rules to offer here, only a count to promote awareness and shed light on a dark corner many of us find ourselves cower in. Each of us has their own style, preferences, and ability in love. Out there is a world of chances, options, and opportunities, and they all lead to relationships. Some are an app click away, others await at the end of a long journey. A number of them will be short-term relationships, others lifelong lasting. Few will lift you to the heavens, others will crush you to the depths of despair. But through all of them, you will continue to love, for you are human.