Love is a force that has captivated human hearts for centuries. They say love makes the world go round, and they’re not wrong! But as innate as love is to us as humans, the commodified version of love fed to us through books and movies has led to us holding expectations and misconceptions about it that reality can’t quite match up to.
Let’s take a look at some myths on love.
Love is Effortless
Love is not easy. Attraction is easy, as is infatuation, but love requires effort, communication, and compromise.
No relationship is without flaws, nor any person. Acknowledging these imperfections is important for fostering growth and understanding between partners. It’s easy to fall in love, but it’s far more difficult to maintain it.
Love Solves All Problems
Love alone cannot erase fundamental issues. It is a human emotion, and like any other emotion, it can get out of our control. A mother’s love can make her child the happiest person on the planet, but that same love can become suffocating and abusive.
Effective communication and collaboration are crucial for overcoming challenges and building a resilient relationship.
Love Happens at First Sight
True love often unfolds gradually. Building a deep connection takes time, shared experiences, and getting to know each other on a profound level. Instant chemistry may be a spark that can lead to something bigger, but it’s not the sole indicator of lasting love.
Love Should Always Feel Like the Honeymoon Phase
The intense passion of the honeymoon phase evolves into a deeper, more stable connection. Real love withstands the test of time, growing stronger through shared experiences and weathering life’s challenges. It’s not always sunshine and rainbows – there are dark days as well. But love helps overcome those dark days, which is how you know it’s true.
You Can’t Love Others if You Don’t Love Yourself
While self-love is crucial, people can and do still experience and offer love during periods of self-discovery and growth. Love is a journey, and it’s acceptable to learn to love oneself along the way.
Jealousy is a Sign of True Love
Healthy relationships thrive on trust and communication. While jealousy is natural and totally valid, excessive jealousy can be destructive and is not a reliable indicator of love.
Building trust and fostering open communication are key elements in a strong relationship.
Love Should Be Effortless if You’re with ‘The One’
Again, love requires effort. Even with the right person, relationships require continuous work, communication, and adaptation. Love isn’t a magical fix; it’s an ongoing commitment to understanding, supporting, and growing with your partner.
Love Means Never Having to Say You’re Sorry
Apologizing and forgiving are integral components of a healthy relationship. No one is perfect, and acknowledging mistakes fosters growth, understanding, and strengthens the bond between partners.
The More Intense the Passion, the Stronger the Love
Sustainable love goes beyond initial passion. Building a lasting connection involves compatibility, shared values, and a commitment to growing together. Passion may ebb and flow, but a deep emotional connection endures.
Real love is a dynamic journey, requiring effort, understanding, and continuous growth. By embracing the realities of love, we set the stage for resilient connections that withstand the tests of time.
References:
⦁The Dark Side of Love: Understanding the Destructive Nature of Obsessive Love. (n.d.). Marriage. Retrieved December 8, 2023, from https://vocal.media/marriage/the-dark-side-of-love-understanding-the-destructive-nature-of-obsessive-love