Why do so many otherwise rational people continue to believe that love matters so very much in the face of such a huge body of evidence to the contrary?

Love is small and weak. Beautiful, yes. But. . . a kitten in a world full of hungry wolves.

Perhaps life would be less painful if we would accept that reality, rather than perpetuating this lie that love is some mighty force that, in a battle against the cold and the ugly, will always win?

Because. . .it doesn't.

It's just not that powerful.

And wishing it were doesn't make it so.

MelissaC said:

Hi Melissa haven't come across you before so ...I'm sorry you don't feel love matters. It can be all too easy to think that way but a harder thing to remember the power of it

hope you remember one day soon

MelissaC said:

Alot of the time it isn't enough and gets stamped on .....but on the rare occassion it is...that is something truely wonderful and worth all the heartbreak ...feel better

Love does matter... it can be a great force that conquers obstacles... it's not the only ingredient for "survival" but it's a damn important one. A life without love would be so damn depressing! That's why love should be protected & cherished - it's rare & beautiful & painful... powerful... sacred

CalhounSq said:

CalhounSq said:

I get what you're saying... in a way...

But

I think love is found in so many shapes, forms and sizes. So many flavors. You may not have that one all-important all-encompassing love of your life and you'll get by just fine. Wonderful, even.
But even so, I'd never get by without the love of my friends. And sometimes, that's a mighty, magical, powerful thing too.

I think I know what your'e saying.

Here's my take on it:

1) love is one of the most powerful human emotions. (love, hate, fear, anger)
2) The problem with love is that it is not reliable. It's an emotion further down on maslow's hierarchy of needs that often trumps those above it.
3) You have to take proactive, rational, steps often to achieve love. Simply said, love does not make the world go round--it's our rational actions that do it. Love is just that emotion that we like to top it all of with.


love sucks.

CalhounSq said:

very well put!

and it helps to realize that love is not limited to romantic love, which has been sold out to consumerism. real love is so much more than Valentine's Day and wedding gowns.

PS - You're on what, day 3 of your 'recovery'? Your outlook is still skewed.

IrresistibleB1tch said:

Dont forget Hollywood too!

Weve all been made to forget what its really about

Imago777 said:

I take exception with that. I'd say that's 'lust' paired with 'like and admire a lot'. Love trumps all. It does. It really and truly does. Love is reliable. Love is responsible. Love lasts. Anything less isn't love.

CarrieMpls said:

Imago777 said:

You know, I'm sure that's somehow bad for your hair.

susannah said:

very true!

love is too strong to be defined by societal norms or romantic sentiment. people refuse love all the time because it doesn't fit the boundaries that we're told are acceptable, when really the only reason we don't jump off a cliff as soon as we learn to walk is because we all want to be loved. period.

possession is not love. obligation is not love. you can love someone and feel an obligation to them, and you can love someone and feel a sense of propriety where the relationship is concerned, but i think all too often love gets consumed by those qualities and you have nothing left but a sense of claustrophobia where there used to be something more freeing and passionate.

it's easy for me to say all this stuff, but in practice, i feel like i swim against a current that's so strong that i might as well just shut up and follow the flow.

Love matters, but sadly it is just not a priority anymore in common society. Most sheep would rather gather money and material things first. Love fulfills. Love hurts. Love kills. Love suffers.

Love's gonna getcha!!....KRS-1

Anxiety said:

Very well said Anx.

I think we all feel the same as that in practice!

Love matters. But it is not as simple as believing that love conquers all. Love without work is not a strong enough bond.

Whoodini - Love is a choice we make everyday.

Hey Melissa!!

susannah said:

Or most popular music! Here's a rare exception:


Your scrapbook's filled with pictures of all your leading men
Well baby don't put my picture in there with them
Don't make us some little girl's dream that can't ever come true
That only serves to hurt and make you cry like you do
Well, baby, don't do it to me and I won't do it to you

You see all the romantic movies, you dream and take the boys home
But when the action fades you're left all alone
You deserve better than this, little girl, can't you see that you do?
Do you need somebody to prove it to you?
Well, you prove it to me and I'll prove it to you

Now, every night you go out looking for true love's satisfaction
But in the morning you end up settling for just lights, camera, action

And another cameo role with some bit player you're befriending
You're gonna go broken-hearted looking for that happy ending
Well, girl, you're gonna end up just another lonely ticket sold
Cryin' alone in the theater as the credits roll
You say I'll be like those other guys
Who filled your head with pretty lies
And dreams that can never come true
Well baby you be true to me
And I'll be true to you

- B. Springsteen ("Be True")

MelissaC said:

Because we need the eggs?