Sometimes, I have a really difficult time trying to Brain. I was reviewing my previous post titles to see if I could find some inspiration and I noticed I have at least TWO “I’m tired” style titles. I mean… I am – literally all the time – but sheesh. Writing about how tired I am and why is part of Journaling, of course, but I wish I didn’t feel this exhausted and overwhelmed so much.

Anyhoo… since [romantic] “love” is a thing that’s currently in my life, I figured I’d try my hand at “what IS it?!”… Here’s what the Google says (and I’ll be highlighting some stuff that I personally find important):

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Love is a complex emotion encompassing strong affection, attachment, and concern for another person, animal, or thing. It can manifest in various forms, from familial love to romantic love, and is often associated with positive emotions like happiness and intimacy, but can also include negative emotions like jealousy or stress. 

Here’s a more detailed look at the concept of love:

1. Diverse Forms and Expressions: 

• Love is not a monolithic concept; it varies in intensity and expression.
• It can be found in romantic relationships, familial bonds, friendships, and even in one’s relationship with oneself or with animals.
• Examples include maternal love, romantic love between partners, and the love for a favorite food.

2. Psychological Significance:

• Love plays a central role in human relationships and is considered a major facilitator of social bonds. 
• It’s a powerful motivator, driving people to care for and protect others. 
• Love is a fundamental human emotion, associated with positive feelings like happiness and euphoria, but also potentially leading to negative emotions like jealousy or anxiety. 

3. Emotional and Behavioral Components:

• Love often involves intimacy, passion, commitment, care, closeness, protectiveness, attraction, affection, and trust. 
• It can be expressed through various acts, such as acts of service, words of affirmation, or quality time spent together.
• The five love languages, which include acts of service, words of affirmation, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch, are one way to understand how people express and experience love. 

4. Love as a Virtue and a Vice: 

• Love is often seen as a virtue, encompassing kindness, compassion, and unselfish concern for others. 
• However, love can also be a source of negative emotions and behaviors, sometimes leading to selfishness, obsession, or even jealousy. 

5. Love in Different Contexts:

• Love can be unconditional and selfless, as seen in the love between a parent and child, or it can be passionate and romantic, as seen in the love between romantic partners. 
• There are also concepts like “one love,” which can represent a sense of unity and respect for all people, according to Darry Ring. 
• Love can be a catalyst for personal growth, creativity, and overall well-being, but it can also be a source of pain and heartbreak. 

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So, how does one know they “love” another? Science! Haha. No seriously, there’s scientific studies that suggest being in love is associated with measurable changes in brain activity, hormone levels, and even pain perception.

There’s cute videos like this that give a short, basic rundown of love. And this one that give a longer and more detailed list of feelings one experiences with love.

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I have experienced many forms of loving others in my lifetime, as well as the heartbreak that comes when that love fades or becomes broken. I’ve lost so many people [to death and breakup] and beloved pets in my life that I often wonder how I can continue to keep giving my heart away. I’d honestly given up on doing so romantically when The Boyfriend came along (as I’ve mentioned in previous posts). And yet… here I am, loving once again. I might be an emotional masochist?! 😅 Kidding. I don’t enjoy having my heart broken, but I do enjoy being able to give love to others and, hopefully, make them happy.

Unfortunately, I have not received the same kind of love and care in return. I say that because the love I have to give is intense and passionate. I’ve learned through my lifetime of trauma, abuse, and neglect to give the exact opposite of what I’ve received – and far more of it. And I don’t do so for return investment or any other such thing… I truly do want to love others without condition. But, I still very much have a desire to receive the equivalent from someone. Preferably the person I’ve chosen to love despite having given up previously.

Alas… I endure. I wait. I exact as much patience as possible in hopes that this time it will come true. That this time my love, efforts, and worth will be seen and valued, appreciated and reciprocated.