Top Five Things You Must Know About Love

It is way past the love month– but it doesn’t matter. This list is timeless. And useful, specially for those who are “in love” or in the habit of falling in and out of it. It can also be useful for hopeless romantics or “beginners”- and especially so for those whose hearts are always breaking. So here you go- the Top Five Things You Ought to Know About Love.

1. If you love someone, set them free (if they want to be free)

You cannot hold on to someone no matter what, if the other person wants to leave. No matter the years or the great times spent, or tears or pleas, if one feels the need to break away from you, they will. Period.

2. When you give all your effort to someone, and it doesn’t work out along the way, don’t sulk and regret you gave it your all

No one ever told you to do that. When you love someone, what you give or the amount of what you give rests solely on your decision. Of course, you can never control what you feel. Which is why you shouldn’t focus your love and time on one person. There are tons of other things to do in life. Find the time to do them before it’s too late.

3. Timing is a huge factor

Even if you love each other at one point, but the timing sucks, then it will be hard to keep at it. Say for example, you’re ready to walk down the aisle. But he just lost his job and has a problem looking for work. While you think that should be okay, men are different in the sense that he will have to overcome his emotions, reclaim his confidence and start scouting for a new job. All these, he will definitely prioritize over his relationship. Another instance is when he is ready to commit and you find yourself landing that dream job of yours abroad. Of course, you can always say no to the job…. But it may come to haunt you someday- and may even be something you’ll bring up in a negative way in one of your future arguments. (“Don’t you know, I didn’t accept the job for you?”. To which he could respond: “I didn’t ask you to…”)

4. Love is never having to say you’re sorry

It took some time before I understood what this meant. Until I realized that what it meant is if you love someone, don’t put yourself in a situation or do something that you will have to apologize for later on. Love means thinking of the other person. And that includes not hurting him/her.

5. Love does not always beget love

Yes, contrary to what many people believe, just because you love someone, doesn’t mean they will love you back. Sometimes, all the caring, sacrificing, most thoughtful gestures will not bear fruit. Of course, the receiver will perhaps feel happy, blessed and flattered. But it doesn’t mean that they will feel the same way you do.