Comments on: Love Is A Verb

By: Communication in Marriage Brings Harmony

Communication in Marriage Brings Harmony — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:02:06 +0000

[...] push comes to shove, their spouse wants the best for them and the relationship and that they are committed to improving the relationship. This is the kind of trust needed before beginning efforts to improve communication [...]

By: AIZA

AIZA — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:17:39 +0000

“A lot of people equate love to that first initial rush of emotions you get when entering a relationship. After a while those feeling start to fade. Some look at that as something wrong with their relationship” I think I am one of this people…:) It is scary when you lose that initial rush of being madly in love.. and sometimes it’s hard to be loving when you go through something at the same time, ( a flashback from the past; which it did affect my current relationship but I didn’t want any of the past to remind me but It takes time I guess). And at the same times when you lose that feeling of “Infatuation or the Romantic love or the thing you call falling in love” it is scary and you’ll think you’ve lost the feeling of love but after reading your article I think I understand now that when you’re off the initial high, this is when you have to embrace and love the person even in his imperfections…

Do I make a lot of sense?

By: Sherri

Sherri — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:17:27 +0000

@ Matthew – Welcome! You make some good points and you’re right that if it were ONLY a verb the receiving of love from someone else would be difficult. The point I was trying to emphasize, like I said to Ian, is when people equate love to the initial rush of emotions they feel like something is wrong with their relationship when those feelings start to fade (which inevitably they do). But love is a choice and you can get those feelings back, IMO. Thanks for contributing to the conversation!

By: Matthew | Polaris Rising

Matthew | Polaris Rising — Fri, 01 May 2009 00:44:54 +0000

There's so much in the word "love". And there's always something more. To say love is very I don't disagree with, but also to say that it's more. If love is only things you do, then that would exclude the receiving too. And the just being with another person, which is a deeper side of love. That's a side of listening, but it's more. Without being, the phrase "you can only love someone else as much as you love yourself" makes no sense. Because when you are able to truly be with another at a deep level, loving yourself is loving another - and vice versa. Matthew | Polaris Rising’s last blog post..The story of the cat who did things differently

By: Form Meaningful Relationships | Serene Journey

Form Meaningful Relationships | Serene Journey — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:55:26 +0000

[...] Love Is A Verb [...]

By: 3 Important Questions To Consider | Serene Journey

3 Important Questions To Consider | Serene Journey — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:04:25 +0000

[...] Also: Love Is A Verb Tips To Enjoy Life Stand Your Ground, But Only On The Important [...]

By: Frugal Friday At On Simplicity | Serene Journey

Frugal Friday At On Simplicity | Serene Journey — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:07:36 +0000

[...] Love Is A Verb [...]

By: Get Rich, Stay Rich - Emotional Bank Accounts | Serene Journey

Get Rich, Stay Rich - Emotional Bank Accounts | Serene Journey — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:29:43 +0000

[...] Rich – Emotional Bank Accounts Post written by Sherri. Two weeks ago I wrote an article called Love Is A Verb. In the comments Roger – A Content Life touched on thinking of love and relationships as bank [...]

By: Sherri

Sherri — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:41:03 +0000

@ Ian – This passage from Covey’s book really struck a chord with me. A lot of people equate love to that first initial rush of emotions you get when entering a relationship. After a while those feeling start to fade. Some look at that as something wrong with their relationship and leave in an attempt to find it again.

I think for a lot of people it’s not obvious that love is a choice. By choosing to love in the verb sense of the word it can result in those enjoyable feelings that most people search for.

I really appreciate your comment and I’m glad you enjoyed the post.

By: Ian Peatey

Ian Peatey — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:28:31 +0000

Hi Sherri

Hmmm not sure how to comment on this. I can imagine we could have a very interesting exploration of what ‘love’ is and is not. I’ll drop a few thoughts off the top of my head.

I agree that ‘love’ is not an emotion though it’s often used as a short cut to describe several very enjoyable feelings (excitement, warmth, joy, sexual tension, among others). As long as those involved understand the short cut then it’s ok.

When it’s used as a verb I also think it’s a short-cut for several things we do, some of which you’ve named in the post (listen, empathise, appreciate, affirm). There are many others I might add eg. give attention, care for, share.

Personally I see ‘love’ as the flow and connection between myself and other people. With some, that flow is very strong and with others much weaker. The ‘love’ actions I take are expressions of that flow, and the ‘love’ emotions are one of the results.

I had a strong reaction to seeing ’sacrifice’ on your list, and right now I’m not sure why so I’ll not comment in relation to that.

And just in case it’s not so clear, I really enjoyed this post!

Ian Peatey’s last blog post..Stop making me happy!