Love defies generalizations.
Poets, philosophers, theologians, and countless others have ascribed their
own
theories and interpretations but often they still fall short of the
goal of capturing the true nature of this unfathomable entity. The strength
of love lies in its diversity. It possesses the unique ability to evolve,
change, and permutate over the course of our lives. Just as we grow outwardly
we must also grow inwardly. Our thoughts, realizations, and perceptions
are given credence by our individual experiences on the separate paths
we follow in our quest for love. And as love is an integral part of our
inner selves, so it must grow and mature as well. It possesses the ability
to adapt to its internal as well as its external environment. It not only
changes as we change but it also ebbs and flows outwardly dependent on
the receptivity of those to whom it is directed.
During certain periods of our lives love may seem to fade or even disappear
entirely from our emotional palette. But once conceived it never truly
ceases to exist. Love is the ultimate survivor. It has a will to live
as
strong as the will of its human container. If
necessary, it may hibernate,
withdraw like a turtle into its shell. When it is rebuffed or rejected
by the harshness and cold complacency which can be so common in others,
it folds in on itself until which time it again feels safe to venture
out into a more nurturing environment. But it does not die.
We say we fall in love but it is a misnomer. We do not fall anywhere.
We simply open our hearts and allow the love inside to project its energy
towards the heart of another. If it is well received and properly tended,
it creates a spiritual bond between the two hearts. However, love is an
individualized emotion. It is a part of who we are and just as no two
people share the exact same emotional make-up, neither can they share
totally identical expressions of their love for one another. The beauty
of a strong and viable relationship is seen when two souls meet and the
colors of their love complement each other.
We are in love when we can find that fragile state of being where our
individual love demands no more than the other person can give and when
we can provide the necessary energies to allow them to be fulfilled as
well. Love cares nothing for equality but it insists on balance. That
balance is possible only when both people are satisfied that their own
expectations and needs in a relationship are being adequately provided
for.
"Love is often nothing but a favorable exchange between two people
who get the most of what they can expect."