In Perspective

If you think about it, it's when you are inconsiderate that you can be most unloving. You lose regard for others and you focus on yourself. At those times you tend to release thoughtless, hurtful words and you act in offensive ways. A lack of consideration is a lack of love because the lack of consideration is a sign of self-centredness or plainly, selfishness. Love, if it is to be real and sincere, must be considerate. Love is considerate. It takes careful thought, especially around loved ones.  It's not a matter of remaining guarded and unable to speak nor act freely when you're with your spouse or family. It's about affording them politeness and courtesy in the way you speak and relate towards them. Why can you be at your best behaviour outside yet be rude and impatient with loved ones in the comforts of your own home? Yes, family members must be understanding and accepting of you but why remove their right to civility and endearment? Besides, shouldn...

I think it was in episode 8 of Downton Abbey Season 6 that Tom Branson gave this ponderous thought to Lady Mary Crawley: "Love is giving the other person the power to hurt you." One often knows that love comes with the feelings of excitement, burning passion or adoration, extreme fondness, joy, happiness, and all other good emotions. But, love, if it is to be real and sincere, is to be more than those. Love is Appreciation. It is appreciating the best in someone when you're experiencing the worst of him (or her.) If you love your mate and family only when they are lovable, how different are you from other non-spouses and non-family members? No one is perfect and if you're only out to love someone for the good and not for the bad, that is basic and common love. Love is Appreciation. It is recognizing and enjoying the good qualities of the ones you love. It's not so much as being blind to their faults as much as being mindful of the good they are...