Love At First Sight

I believe in love at first sight. When we meet someone for the first time, we sense many things about them. We know whether we are attracted to them, certainly. That’s easy. But we notice other characteristics in they way that they move and communicate, in the way that they treat others, in the way that they speak to us and look at us, in the topics they discuss and the subjects that they avoid. It’s perfectly reasonable to come away from that first meeting with a strong sense of interest and connection. If the other person feels the same way, it could be the beginning of something special.

Unfortunately, a powerful connection does not always translate into a successful relationship. Relationships are delicate and easily fractured. That initial feeling of promise could be lost in a month if circumstances prevent the parties from moving forward in a meaningful way.

If they do move forward as a couple, they’ll face an endless array of challenges. People have different tastes and priorities, and they’re not always forthright in sharing the darker sides of their personalities. A relationship may crumble at any time under the weight of a deal breaking incident, or it may labor along for years under the weight of doubt and contempt, draining a couple’s entire reservoir of joy and passion and fulfillment, leaving behind a dark, empty vessel.

I do believe in love at first sight. It’s a miraculous feeling that overwhelms us in the kindest of ways, filling out hearts with joy and comfort and passion and a sense of unlimited possibility. Love is the only word that can describe it.

Enduring love is an extension of that initial euphoria, but it requires additional inputs to keep it running smoothly: communication, caring, commitment, sensitivity, energy, enthusiasm, romance, respect, dedication, sacrifice, and always, always, always more active application of love and passion, patience and understanding.

New love is like a shiny new car, exciting and flawless. Everyone wants to take a closer look. Everyone wants to know how it feels to be in the driver’s seat. Everyone admires your good fortune.

Over time, though, that shiny automobile is going to need a lot of work. It’s going to need brakes and filters, tires and lubrication, paint and wax, tuning and alignment. If you continue to provide it what it requires, fully and without reservation, it will live on as a cherished classic with a vibe and a history that cannot be replicated by some newer, sleeker model. But if you skimp on the maintenance, even a little bit, your once shiny gem will become someone else’s bucket of problems on the way to a final tragic ending in the junkyard.

New love flows effortless from the heart. Enjoy it while you have it. It is a treasure.

Enduring love requires the strength of the whole person, heart and mind, body and soul, to keep it rich and vibrant. Enjoy it if you can achieve it. It is an even greater treasure.