Love: A complex and multifaceted emotion
Love is an incredibly complex emotion that can manifest itself in various ways. It’s a feeling that can make us feel alive, fulfilled, and happy. It’s often said that we love ourselves when we’re around the person we love. But what does this actually mean?
Different types of love
To understand this concept, we must first acknowledge that there are different types of love. The love we feel for our family members, friends, and significant others can all be very different. However, in each case, we can experience a sense of joy and contentment when we’re around the people we care about.
Loving the way a person makes us feel
When we say that we love ourselves when we’re around the person we love, we’re not necessarily saying that we love that person. Rather, we love the way that person makes us feel. We love the sense of safety, security, and happiness that comes from being in their presence. We love the feeling of being appreciated, understood, and accepted.
Love is not selfish or self-centered
It’s essential to note that this feeling isn’t inherently selfish or self-centered. It’s not about using someone else for our benefit or gaining something from them. Instead, it’s about sharing a connection with another person that brings joy and positivity to our lives.
The importance of being around the person we love
In some cases, this feeling of love can lead to a deeper romantic relationship, where we begin to love the person themselves. Still, even in these cases, the feeling of being around the person we love is a vital factor in the relationship’s success.
Individual experiences of love
It’s worth noting that not everyone experiences this feeling of love in the same way. Some people may find that being around the person they love is stressful or draining. This doesn’t mean that they don’t love the person; it simply means that their experience of love is different.
Loving ourselves and the joy of connection
Ultimately, the feeling of love is a complicated and individual experience. It can be challenging to put into words, and it can take many different forms. Still, one thing is clear: when we love ourselves, we’re open to experiencing the joy and connection that comes from being around the people we care about.
Dive Deeper
Book Recommendation
There are many books on the subject of love, but one that I would recommend for its insights into the complexities of love is “The Art of Loving” by Erich Fromm. In this book, Fromm explores the nature of love and argues that it is an art that requires practice and understanding. He discusses the different forms of love, including romantic love, brotherly love, and self-love, and explains how these forms of love are interconnected.
Fromm’s book is a thought-provoking read that challenges us to think deeply about the meaning of love and our relationships with others. It is a classic in the field of psychology and has been influential in shaping our understanding of what it means to love and be loved. If you’re interested in exploring the complexities of love and learning how to practice the art of loving, “The Art of Loving” is a book that I would highly recommend.
Documentary/ Video
One of the best documentaries that explore the complexities of love and relationships is “Why We Love” by the National Geographic Channel. This documentary series is based on the research of Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist who has studied the science of love and attraction.
In “Why We Love,” Fisher and a team of experts explore the different aspects of love, including the chemistry of attraction, the evolution of love, and the cultural and social factors that shape our relationships. The documentary uses stunning visuals and interviews with individuals from around the world to explore the different forms of love, including romantic love, parental love, and the love between friends.
The documentary offers a fascinating look at the science and psychology behind love and relationships, and it provides insights into why we are drawn to certain individuals and how our relationships are shaped by our biology, psychology, and social environment. If you’re interested in learning more about the science of love and the complexities of relationships, “Why We Love” is a documentary series that I would highly recommend.
Here is the link to Ted Talk “Why we love, why we cheat” by Helen Fischer – https://youtu.be/x-ewvCNguug
If this article resonated with you, you may also find this other piece of writing informative – Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment