In life, it seems that there are very few other things that could compare to the importance of “love.”   I put this in quotes because I feel like most people who use this word haven’t really thought of what it really means to them.  The idea they have is based on what they were told as children, what they saw in movies and TV, what they read in books.  Maybe it’s just me, but I believe that we should all have our own understanding of the things we consider important and not be content with what has already been put in our heads.

The word “love” is almost dangerous to use now because of the numerous connotations that it has attached to it.  This creates misunderstandings and hurt feelings, as demonstrated by enough relationships around us.  The first question we have to ask is if there is such a thing as an objective “love” out there that should be the ideal.  This of course is something you have to think out and decide for yourself.

Even before we start to create our own beliefs, if we examine what people call “love”, it is full of contradictions.  We say love is selfless but we practice selfishness with our loved ones.  We say love is forgiving but we harbor grudges.  My favorite is “if you love someone, set them free,” but everyone wants to hold on and get angry when it’s taken away.  Even the thing that most people think “love” is seems completely contradictory.  It seems sad that we aren’t able to live up to our own expectations of what it is.

I’m not saying I have the answer about what it is or should be.  I only think that it’s time to start questioning ourselves and our belief about what it is.  If we are going to have this thing in the top priorities of our lives, it should at least be worth some reflection.  Believe in something because you thought it, not because you were told it.