Love has many levels. It can range from being selfish to being supportive, encompassing the smallest things in life. Love is a complex feeling, emotional state, and attitude. It is necessary for a relationship to flourish. When it is too deep to be explained in words, seek help from a therapist or counselor. Here are some things to remember:
The Bible speaks of love in various contexts, from the love of God to the love of Jesus. “Love your neighbor as yourself” is a popular definition of Christian love, which corresponds to God’s love for humankind. Love that is spiritual is not selfish, but selfless. It also includes forgiveness, compassion, and humility. Love for others should be a top priority in life, and it can come from within. If you want to know more about love, read the Bible.
Research into love has come a long way since Freud’s remarks. While early explorations were often met with criticism, these researches have become increasingly common. In the 1930s, U.S. Senator William Proxmire railed against scientists studying love, describing their work as a waste of taxpayer money. In the 1980s, however, researchers began to see the value of the field and began funding projects aimed at understanding the depths of human emotions.
While the bestowal view contains some truth, it misses the mark. Love is creative, not a reaction to antecedent values. Thus, accounts of love that understand evaluation in terms of appraisal are incomplete. It misses a crucial part of love’s nature. It is creative and doesn’t merely respond to an antecedent value. And it’s important to acknowledge that love is an emotional attachment rather than an arbitrary feeling.