What Is Love? Baby Don’t Hurt Me
I think a lot about the concept of love. What does it mean? What forms does it take? Is it even something that is expressed genuinely through physical or materialistic means?
Love is something a child correlates with parental affection. A teenager might seek love through approval or attention. As adults, we might still seek love by these means, like it’s some outer force to be received, not given. But as we grow and evolve, I think it begins to take on various forms, and sometimes it’s inexplicable. It becomes an all-encompassing inherent force expressed externally through giving, hope, resilience, faith, and empathy.
The concept of love has also taken me to dark places; places of pain, grief, sadness, lust, even desperation, and longing; a need to fill a void or make sense of a lack of fulfillment or joy. I think this is where love needs acceptance the most.
Love is expressed through intimacy, but it must have a spiritual and emotional element to it. Sex isn’t love. Love can be a part of the act of sex, but sex can be void of love. Sex can also complicate love. It can confuse lust with love. I can create as much intimacy, if not more, by conversing with someone and enjoying their company. Love is a genuine connection in any form.
Sometimes love means letting go or surrendering to what is. Sometimes it means looking at life from a different perspective or allowing a relationship to unfold freely without expectations. Sometimes love is acceptance and grace.
Self-love is an important piece. It gives us the confidence to care for ourselves and care for others. It allows us to be transparent, honest, and align with the truth of our souls so we can be the best version of ourselves.
Love can also be otherworldly or strange. It can be a strong feeling towards something or someone. It can be a calling or spiritual connection to the divine.
S. Angell is a published poet, writer, philosopher, video blogger, and preschool teacher by day. She explores an array of topics including love, life, death, history, and society from a philosophical perspective. You can find her on Instagram @therainydaypoetess or TheRainyDayPoet.com
