What is love?

Love is among the deepest and most mysterious emotions that humans feel and experience. It goes beyond culture, language, and time, manifesting in various ways throughout history. Nevertheless, the uncertainty lingers: Is love actually real, or is it a fanciful concept?
To comprehend the true meaning of love, one needs to delve deep into its essence. For some, love is that instant electric spark and strong attraction that develops between two people the first moment they lay eyes on each other. For others, it is a silent pledge of being there for the partner in facing every up and down that life has in store. Nevertheless, I believe that true love is more than just instant feelings; it is a conscious decision and an expression of behaviors that show concern, affection, and commitment.

Take, for example, a husband and wife who have shared marriage for a period extending to five decades. Although the fervent passion that once burned between them has probably cooled down, their love has matured into a deep-seated companionship. Love, in this stage, focuses on ordinary daily tasks: making breakfast together, walking side by side along the beach while holding hands, or just being a source of life support. This abiding relationship makes love not only a feeling, but a continuing force that grows in depth and strength over time.

In other words, I certainly believe that love is not just desire and chemistry between two human beings; it is commitment and bonding. It finds its meaning in sacrifice, growth, and the will to keep loving regardless of whatever obstacles life may bring.

Is sacrifice expressed in a relationship

Love and sacrifice go hand in hand. Sacrificing something for the betterment of a relationship is essential to keep it strong and long-lasting. Yet, making sacrifices does not always involve big things; at certain times, it is about small, silent decisions that should be made for somebody’s betterment.

Consider someone moving to another city just because their partner got a good job there. That could be altruism because this person is sacrificing friends, possibly their own career, and the only life they have ever known just to accommodate their partner. That kind of sacrifice may indeed feel like a duty, but in reality, it actually comes from love.

On a much smaller scale, there are daily sacrifices made within relationships: utterances of kind words, warm embraces in acknowledgment of a partner having a terrible day, or watching a movie that might not be to one’s taste but is loved by a partner. All these little acts of consideration reflect understanding and the willingness to increase a partner’s happiness.

One should learn to differentiate between sacrifice and hurtful sacrifice. In a healthy relationship, both partners make sacrifices without feelings of resentment. When one partner is compelled to sacrifice integral parts of themselves or when the sacrifices are one-sided, things may take a harmful turn in the relationship. True sacrifice means that both partners feel valued, supported, and loved.

Can we find understanding in a relationship?

Understanding is the foundation of every thriving and healthy relationship. Even with love and selflessness, feelings of frustration or confusion can creep in if it is lacking. It is about truly knowing your partner and seeing things from their perspective, even if you do not see eye to eye.

For instance, imagine one partner is introverted while the other is extroverted. Their social preferences can differ: one enjoys cozy winter nights indoors while the other loves lively get-togethers with friends. Without understanding, this could lead to conflicts and emotional distance.

Nonetheless, when both partners recognize each other’s needs through understanding, they can make adjustments to maintain balance. The introverted partner might join social events occasionally, while the extroverted partner might opt for quieter evenings, ensuring that both feel valued.

That is to say, understanding in a relationship is not about always seeing eye to eye; it is about embracing each other’s differences with love and respect. It is about being open to communication, flexible, and willing to compromise. Strong relationships flourish when both partners feel free to express their thoughts and be listened to, even if the other person does not share the same feelings. This mutual respect fosters closeness. Couples who connect on this level can navigate conflicts more effectively because they are not only arguing for their own viewpoint but genuinely seeking to comprehend each other’s perspective. Hence, love has the opportunity to grow where there is understanding.

Is there support in the relationship?

Support is the glue that keeps relationships strong, whether in good times or in challenges. In a healthy partnership, both individuals act as each other’s biggest supporters; cheering each other in good moments and providing comfort during difficult ones.

Now, picture a scenario where one partner loses their job. Suddenly, the burden of financial stress, anxiety, and fear can take a toll on the relationship. Yet, a loving partner will step up not with criticism but with understanding. They might take on household tasks or even offer to be the main provider for a while, assuring their partner that they will face the challenges together. Or think about a wife who is on her period and is in unbearable pain; her husband, at that moment, should be supportive by showing her care, love, and attention. He should treat her like a queen and not ask her to do the housework but simply hold her until the pain fades away.

Support does not always mean fixing problems. Often, it is simply about being present; lending an ear to your partner after a difficult day, celebrating small victories together, or sitting quietly by their side when words are not enough. It is about showing up consistently, in both big and small ways, to remind your partner that they are not alone on this journey.

It is worth mentioning that support must flow in both directions. In an ideal relationship, support from both sides is essential. There are days when one partner may be more sensitive while the other provides practical problem-solving. The key is finding a balance where both partners feel uplifted and empowered by each other’s presence.

A human touch of love, sacrifice, understanding, and support

Love, sacrifice, understanding, and support are the four key pillars in all interpersonal and romantic relationships. They are all interconnected and cannot function independently. Love seeks to uphold commitment, sacrifice shows the depth of our emotions, understanding connects us to the inner feelings of our partner, and support ensures the shared success of the relationship.

These elements create a beautiful yet challenging human connection. For example, consider a couple who faced difficulties with infertility within their relationship. They tried to have a baby for many years through various treatments that resulted in significant emotional and financial hardships for both of them. Despite the disappointment, love was the reason they stayed connected. Sacrifice was seen in the form of time, financial resources, and emotional effort. Understanding was crucial; they had to reassure and communicate with one another, especially during uncertain times. And in the end, their backbone was support, they stood by each other when one felt like giving up.

While this depiction emphasizes a single aspect, the same principles apply to many situations. All relationships, no matter how strong, require dedication, patience, and commitment to endure. By recognizing the significance of love, sacrifice, understanding, and support, we create relationships that go beyond temporary romance and grow into lasting bonds founded on mutual respect and care.

In the end

Love is a real and concrete existence. It shows itself through daily acts of selflessness, quiet moments of understanding, and the unwavering support shared by partners. Love is not defined by big gestures or passionate declarations. In fact, it involves the constant presence of someone willing to stand by you through life’s challenges.

In brief, it is you and I against the world, always together through thick and thin. Even if I make you upset or you frustrate me, we remain in this together until the last breath.