In my travels, I've found that there are many different types of love, and everyone has been exposed to it in one way or another, whether or not they seem tough, or the sort to be romantics, or to be emotionally affected.
The Durmand Priory tends to phrase them the best, but I will do my best to explain myself.
There is what is called 'storge', which teaches us the importance of teamwork and appreciation for our fellow sentient beings. It is perhaps the purest form of love I can witness, for love for a friend does not risk degenerating into obsession, and is nothing but sharing. After all, it is your friends you seek when you find yourself within dire straits.
There is the love that a parent has for their child, which can be strangling. My relationship with my Mother is not the best, but I still acknowledge that she probably still loves me. I respect her, in turn, even if I do not agree with her and her Dream. I know many do not even have the love of their family. In this, I am blessed--but storge, as well, extends to the bond that forms within friendships.
Your family is not just blood; you can choose your family.
There is erotic love, which is based solely on the enjoyment of others' bodies, and desire.
While some may not consider this true love, it is a form of love. Sex, and sexuality, are ways we connect to other sentient beings. It is very intimate, and it affects us to our cores. And how we approach it shapes our lives. I find it very important to respect those you share yourself with, for if you do not, you are doing both parties a disservice.
And finally, there is that which I believe you refer to, my asuran friend--Romantic love. It's a complicated topic that has troubled philosphers, poets, scientists, and normal people, for many years, many centuries. It is true, there are many problems and uncertainties to be tackled with it. Some loves are not returned, and some loves are doomed. Some are flights of fancy--and I understand people will shake their heads at 'puppy love', but that's just as important to a being's character as anything.
After all, to begin to love another, you must love and understand yourself. And to get there, you must mature. You must understand empathy, above all.
My point in all this rambling is that love touches our lives in many ways--it certainly has to mine. It need not be romantic, and some may not wish romantic love.That is fine.
But beings to beings--we need to learn to love each other. Even if sometimes it hurts. Because the perpetuation of love, and all its misgivings, all its types, and its scars...
It shapes our lives. I know it may seem uncharacteristic of me to say, but I believe that.
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❧