For Love

Have you ever felt so strongly about someone that you would immediately do anything that they asked for without hesitations? Ever had someone be the first person you thought about in the morning, and the last person you thought about at night? Have you ever thought that all this could possibly mean that you are in love? For some, hearing the word “love” is intimidating and frightening. Laura Kipnis, author of “Against Love,” explores the downfalls of love, while trying to persuade the audience that love is something that should be portrayed negatively. For most, the word “love” evokes feelings of accomplishment and excitement.
Songs, movies, television shows, Hallmark cards, etc. All of these things influence the way that America perceives love. We have songs that talk about our desire for falling in love (Fall in Love – Kenny Chesney), movies that tell you that you will die next to your first love (The Notebook, 2004), television shows about conquering the heart of your childhood crush (Boy Meets World), and Hallmark cards that put into words the emotions that leave you speechless. It is practically inevitable to not desire for love with all the influential things that surround us. When love is found, one triumphs. Why? A feeling of achievement of a personal fairy tale ending penetrates through one’s body, making one think that life will now begin to have meaning.
Laura Kipnis listed many aspects of love that can be perceived as a burden. “Recognizing that your partner has needs and being prepared to meet them” (Kipnis.759) is one of them. Meeting someone else’s needs is never an effortless task. It requires the ability to understand and patience. Now, real love is a word that most find it difficult to describe. Real love is not based on one’s physical attributes, although it may or may not be a factor. But when one is really in love with another, one is in love with their character and form of being. And as difficult as it may seem, one will find a way to make their relationship work out: “It's gonna be really hard. We're gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, for ever, you and me, every day” (Noah. The Notebook). Noah knew that he loved Allie and was willing to go through trials and tribulations for the better future of their love.
Love is a beautiful and precious thing. Many spend their entire life trying to find their true love, while others simply wait for them to come knocking at their door. Those who are in love do numerous amounts of favors for their partner. Others show their partners their love by doing kind and generous things. Some are not cut out for love though. There are some people who are overly selfish and do not have the patience to meet someone else’s needs: “Love is not a feeling, Mr. Burns. It’s an ability” (Marty Barasco. Dan in Real Life). There is more to love than sweet words, roses, walks in the park, and holding hands, it is when one’s soul meets and falls in love with another.