As a teenager I had a very naive, limited interpretation of romantic love. But despite my innocence, and experience gained only from TV sitcoms, I still believed in the essence of love. I just didn’t know how to describe it, and often confused it with lust, obsession, or just a simple crush.
In my mid-twenties, I thought I understood love. After all, hadn’t I matured? Wasn’t I part of a long term relationship? But I didn’t understand it at all. Not real love. Not the kind of love that would last a lifetime and beyond.
Now, although I am still learning, I have a better understanding of love:
Love is quiet, sometimes unspoken.
It is an essence, an energy, that exists between two people who not only acknowledge the imperfections in each other, but accept them.
It is the bond between two people who cherish partnership, whilst respecting individuality.
It is aspiration and inspiration. It is unwavering friendship.
It is allowing the other to help you stand when you cannot get to your feet.
It is supporting and inspiring the other person to be the very best version of themselves, without expecting them to change.
It does not end. The passing of one does not leave the other any less in love.
Above all else, it is unconditional.
Love is what grows out of challenge and adversity. It’s what keeps you together during the hard times. It’s what makes you smile and laugh louder during the good ones.
It is for the young, the not-so young, and the young at heart. Sometimes society gets so caught up in the romantic ideal of a young couple in love, that we undervalue the love shared between the elderly- love that has stood the test of time, the fading of youthful appearances, the triumphs and the tragedies, or simply love found later in life. To me, it is the most inspiring love of all.
And so today, I wish you all Old Love. xxxx
The Beauty of Love…
The question is asked, “Is there anything more beautiful in life than a boy and a girl clasping clean hands and pure hears in the path of marriage? Can there be anything more beautiful than young love?”
And the answer is given. “Yes, there is a more beautiful thing. It is the spectacle of an old man and an old woman finishing their journey together on that path. Their hands are gnarled, but still clasped; their faces seamed but still radiant; their hearts are physically bowed and tired, but still strong with love and devotion for one another. Yes, there is a more beautiful thing than young love. Old love.”
Anonymous.
