The Concept of Love

The Concept of Love

What exactly is love? Is there an absolute meaning to the word - love? Or is it purely subjective? The concept of true love is what we search for all our lives. Yet love is one of the most misunderstood concepts of all. What people really want more than anything else is to be loved unconditionally; to be accepted for who we are, and still be loved. Sometimes we will do some crazy things, "in the name of love."

Love is actually the choice one makes to put someone's wishes, desires and needs above our own. Many people confuse the word "love" with the meaning of the word "want" or "desire." For example, sometimes when a young man tells the woman of his dreams, "I love you", when he means that he "wants" her because of his own selfish desires. He's the one that may feel all excited over her, but in reality he may want her because of her physical appearance, or because of her mentality or her ability to make him feel good or important. Notice his primary motive for pursuing her is based on himself and his desires; not on pleasing her, although he may choose to please her, but that's only based upon the fulfillment of his wants. The same goes for a young woman, when she says to the man of her dreams, "I love you," she in fact means that she "wants" him because of his physical appearance, status, mentality or his ability to make her feel good or important.

This usage of the word "love" for the meaning of the word "want" is ever so present in the way we use and abuse it. Since we are selfish creatures, and our understanding of "love" is to first be pleased, look at how this word is overused.

· I love Papa John's pizza.

· I just love Gone with the Wind.

· I loved Titanic.

· I love Jazz Music.

· I love Beethoven.

· I love The Island of Dr. Moreau.

To better understand the concept of "love", lets define the value of love. Love is the most valuable commodity in the world. We all need love just like a fish needs water. Without love, life would not be worth living. With love in our lives, we are empowered beyond belief.