Love is universal. It has no boundaries of race, religion, or culture. In relationships, all human beings form an emotional attachment and get hurt when their partners’ are unfaithful. Even so, we strive to form committed relationships that provide comfort, security, and affection. These behaviors are not learned but rather innate. Why do humans long for this bond? Our brains are wired to form a biological program that structures a need of love in our daily lives, which can work beyond our self-control.
A common question we ask ourselves is, “Can love and commitment between a couple last forever?†Personally, I believe that romance love, unlike passionate love, can last a lifetime.
Most importantly, we need to understand the difference between passionate love and romantic love. Passionate love is formed by obsession, excitement and may result in anxiety. We form feelings of insecurity, confusion and imbalance in our lives. For example, a quote stated by Marcel Proust, defines love and the formation of selfishness, “ When we are in love, we no longer love anyone else.â€
In contrast, romantic love has strength, sexual interest, and connection. We must have good intentions in the act of loving such as affection, honesty, and attentiveness towards the needs of your partner. Achieving romantic love is a long-term goal that takes lots of work, however, the payoff can have a lifetime result of fulfillment and happiness.
I must say, with age comes experience and maturity. I am a twenty- three-year-old college student, and I have been in a relationship for four years. When I first met my boyfriend, I was not concerned with hanging out with my friends or my future goals. I was nineteen and my main focus was on one object. However, over the years I have noticed a major obstacle in my long-term relationship, CHANGE. My attitudes, wishes, and priorities have drifted into developing myself as an individual and not just the accomplishment of my relationship. I do not oppose the ongoing process of succession in love, but I believe it is good to have an open heart. Opening the doors to different opportunities and education will result in a better future. Nevertheless, I understand that good things in life require energy, devotion, and dedication but if we are not self-sufficient as human beings then why follow the ways of a child-like fantasy.
