What is 'true love'? The meaning seems to change with

What is 'true love'? The meaning seems to change with age and experience

Much has been written on the topic of true love. When you think of this term, Romeo and Juliet spring to mind as the quintessential example of true love. This tragic couple died for the sake of their impossible love, never to be, in this world.

At the risk of sounding cynical, I've noticed that how people define this elusive sentiment is tempered by age. Do you remember the movie which posited, True love means never having to say you're sorry.? I always puzzled over that one. Does it mean that neither person ever does anything that requires an apology? Or does it mean that, no matter what, forgiveness is automatic?

As in the case of the tragic star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, teens are most susceptible to believing that they've just met their one and only, forever love. While the passion is real, the concept is difficult to pin down when your experience in life is limited, your judgment is not fully developed and your hormones are raging. Teens seldom have much to go on.

Both parties are presenting their best side. The girl never allows her temper to show, doesn't nag him and does everything in her power to appear sweet and beautiful at all times, when in his company. The boy is also on his best behavior, with never a hair out of place, always considerate and sensitive of his heart's desire. Perhaps this is one reason that teen romances tend to be short. Once the cat's out of the bag, with a demonstration of some of the less stellar qualities, it's over. Yes, true love can be fleeting.

With more experience through dating a number of people, young adults feel they've sifted through enough less than perfect partners to say unequivocally, that now, they know that this person is the 'one' and they end up getting married. Young married couples dote on one another, getting into occasional scraps which usually resolves and dissolves quickly amidst hugs, kisses and tears.

When these couples begin having kids, the visage of true love can get a little tattered around the edges. Babies need lots of time and attention and Mom can no longer spend all of her time with Dad. She may also be a bit frazzled. This is about the time any illusions about true love may come into question. Why does she snap at me? Why doesn't he be more considerate? When two people truly love one another, these issues can be resolved and put to rest, by making the necessary life style adjustments to bring them back in sync, together. Good communication skills are so important at this stage of life, as is a willingness to communicate.

By middle age, a couple who married young, know each other well. They are familiar with every little foible of their partner, good and bad. Keeping communication lines open and honest helps love grow, not wane. Some couples allow communication to dwindle to little more than remarks made out of habit: Can I see the newspaper when you're finished? What's for dinner? Did you pay the bills? This type of conversation is not the stuff of true love. Just habit.

On the other hand, some couples are continually making efforts to keep the relationship fresh and interesting. When the efforts are two-sided, true love flourishes, through thick and thin. In all the years which have passed since the love-struck stage, people can't help but know that life can dish up some pretty difficult situations. Couples who support one another are most likely to describe their marriage as 'true love'. They can make it through the rough times, notwithstanding the other persons peculiarities and outright faults.

When the kids leave home, empty nesters who haven't nurtured and cultivated a loving environment between them, sometimes fall away from each other, not having an inkling on where that once-upon-a-time love went. Sadly, many divorces occur at this juncture of life.

So what's the old folk's definition of true love? Couples in adjoining rocking chairs might tell you that love overcomes all. You need to accept the whole person you married and fell in love with. Caring is mutual. No matter what life has thrown in your path, you love them anyway.

0 Response to "What is 'true love'? The meaning seems to change with"

Post a Comment