“Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone – we find it with another.” – Thomas Merton
Love is one of the most profound forces in our lives. It inspires us to care for one another, to build connections, and to actively work toward making the world a better place. Yet, like any worthwhile endeavor, love requires practice—it’s not always something that comes naturally. While human beings are naturally inclined to rely on one another, we often struggle to love each other the way we should. Love is far more than a fleeting feeling of affection or warmth; it’s an ongoing process that demands constant learning, reflection, and growth. In media—whether in books, movies, or music—love is often depicted as simple, effortless, and instinctual. However, this portrayal can mislead us, as true love is not always easy or automatic. It often requires us to dive deeper than what we see on the surface.
Media often suggests that love is a series of positive emotions and constant displays of affection, but our real-life experiences tell a different story. Love, at times, can bring pain, discomfort, and even require sacrifice. It isn’t always about receiving or fulfilling our own needs. Often, the people we love challenge us, and love can involve letting go of something we want for the benefit of someone else. It can also require brutal honesty, addressing uncomfortable truths, and facing our vulnerabilities. Many of us hesitate to expose our hearts for fear of being hurt, a natural instinct driven by self-preservation. But this desire to protect ourselves can sometimes prevent us from experiencing the depth of love—something that, like anything worthwhile, requires hard work and comes with its own growing pains. Despite the struggles, love will always prove to be worth the effort.
There is no single “right” way to love. Love is a relational practice that deepens our understanding of others while fostering mutual growth. It involves continuous listening, adapting, and making space for one another. Instead of striving for an idealized or perfect expression of love, we should focus on using love as both an ethical and practical framework for life. Ethically, love encourages us to treat others with empathy, kindness, and the same respect we give to ourselves. Practically, love makes our lives richer and more meaningful, even in the smallest everyday moments. When we feel the urge to close off from the world, we should remember the transformative power of love. As the saying goes, “Love is as love does.” Small, selfless acts of kindness can accumulate over a lifetime, shaping a deep and enduring love.
