On this day of hearts, flowers and a seemingly endless supply of "the top 100 love songs" on the radio, I am once again brought back to one question: is there such a thing as true and lasting romantic love?
Yes, I know the fairytales and everything that Hollywood dishes up - which, IMHO is part of the problem because they create completely unrealistic expectations. And, with things like: eHarmony, The Bachelor and speed-dating, there's plenty of people peddling it. But…what exactly is the "IT" and does it really exist anywhere other than in harlequin romances and on celluloid?
On the one hand, there's new love. The rush of adrenaline and that soaring feeling brought on by a potent dopamine and norepinephrine cocktail. Surely amazing while it lasts…but…that's just it – it never does. Then of course, there's the love I feel for my friends, which, for me, happens when I truly connect with another person - they see me (in the Avatar sense) and there is mutual understanding and respect. That kind IS lasting for me and comes with loyalty, patience and acceptance.
I recently had this conversation with a friend of mine and he posited that romantic love is a combination of the two mixed with a desire to build a future with someone, sprinkled with a touch of magic. That's probably the best explanation I've ever heard and it certainly gives me something to shoot for. I'd like to believe that it's possible and occasionally I encounter couples who seem to have it…so maybe it is – just very, very rare. But then again, worthwhile things usually are.
So, as it always is with matters of faith for me, I'll keep a realistic perspective, but allow for the possibility – just in case.
