I am a 50 years old man. I’ve been in a relationship with my wife for 29 years. I am a son. I am a brother. I am a friend. I am a father to dogs. You would think that any of that would give me some indication as to what love actually is.
However, I find it very difficult to explain or define it. I find love to be a construct in our own minds. I don’t mean this like it’s a marketing ploy to sell chocolate and flowers on Valentine’s Day. If you think about our emotions, they are different to each person. My defintion of anger, happiness or depression will be different than yours based on my life experiences and upbringing. If we can agree to that than the concept fo love would have to be different as well.
Love transcends different boundaries. The love you have for a romantic partner is different than the love you have for a pet or a friend. It is a different feeling in each instance.
So what exactly is love?
I don’t have an answer. I know the devasating void that was created when my dog Flynn died would give some indication that I loved her. I didn’t feel the same way when my brother or father passed. I’m not sure if I should find that confusing or not. I had more of a relationship with my dog at the time so I guess it would make sense.
I can’t say I’m happy with the dictionary definition of it. I think it sounds stupid to say that I don’t have a good definition but I also think it’s healthy for me to say that.
A History of Stupidity 