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From: Dael,Robert Rafael
Category: Philosophy of Love
Date: 19 Nov 2000
The definitions of love based on my readings are as follows:1)Love is noticing and focusing. 2)Love is desire 3)Love is a fire whose intensity and ability to warm us is determined by by the degree of knowledge we add to the flame. 4)Love is sensuality. 5)Love is sympathetic enjoyment. 6)Love is active caring. 7)Love doesn't demand forgiveness.
NOTICING AND FOCUSING is paying more attention to the significant other and avoiding the possibility of taking the person for granted. In this definition of love,respect and attention is the main concern. LOVE IS DESIRE states that having the awareness that I am separate from the other, I take time and effort to crave for the person.THE THIRD DEFINITION OF LOVE is taking the effort to know more about the person and being able to accept the truth even if they are not favorable or suit our own likings.LOVE IS SENSUALITY-opens the possibility of sexual communication which is a total suurendering of one's self to the other's physical invitation.But sensuality does not only involve the bodies but more importantly the intertwining of the mind and souls.SYMPATHETIC ENJOYMENT is entering another person's self-enjoyment,self understanding and self- valuing.CARING is the putting of the love that I feel within me into actions and not only in word and thoughts.LOVE DOES NOT DEMAND FORGIVENESS because I understand the person, putting into mind that I myself is weak and susceptible to temptation and mistakes.
My main understanding of love is that love requires great self-sacrifice.Self-sacrifice because what/whom I love may not necessarily be compatible with what I like.For example, I may find some weaknesses or flaws in the person,but he/she could have strengths that may compensate my weaknesses and vice-versa.Love brings about self-denial which requires humility and patience.But in spite of "forgetting" oneself, I tend to grow and become a better person.Only in love may I find self-fulfillment, for a life without love is not worth living.Love for me is not exclusive for the opposite sex but could be also for my work,studies,parents,siblings,friends but most especially for God.