In a world full of cynics, the concept of love remains one of the most enduring myths of our time. While many people believe they know what it means to love, the truth is that love is a complex concept with different meanings for everyone.
For some, the word “love” is synonymous with lust or infatuation and may not last very long, while for others it refers to the deep emotional connection that only true love can bring. The word “love” can even carry negative connotations, such as a feeling of obsession, addiction or possessiveness. Regardless of the definition that you choose to give it, a healthy relationship requires that both partners consciously and actively choose to love their partner at all times.
Whether you prefer the biological model of love that sees it as a mammalian drive, or the psychological model of companionate or passionate love, both theories recognize that loving someone requires surrender and faith that the one who loves you will return it. It’s also important to remember that there will be days, weeks or even longer when you aren’t feeling all mushy-gushy and in-love with your significant other, and that’s perfectly fine. This is a normal part of any long-term romantic relationship.
The key to navigating these tough times is to make sure that you’re not falling out of love, and this can be done by reminding yourself that a loving attitude toward your partner is the only thing that can pull you back in. Practicing gratitude, taking care of your physical body, and consistently affirming your commitment to your partner are all great ways to do this.
Lastly, it’s also important to make time for intimacy in your relationship. This can be done in a variety of ways, including simply making time to talk, spending quality time together, and laughing. The most important thing is that you’re able to communicate with your spouse how much you truly love them and that this love is unwavering and never-ending.
In addition to the countless articles on the internet about how to say “I love you” in the best way possible, there are numerous books on the subject as well. However, despite the overwhelming amount of information available, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to saying “I love you” and communicating your feelings effectively.
In the spirit of seeking a collective understanding of what it really means to love, we asked 10 people in various stages of their relationships what it meant to them to say, “I love you.” Their responses might surprise you.
