Let’s start today’s discussion with two fundamental questions for single individuals: “What do you think love is?” and “What kind of love do you think you deserve?” These questions are essential because social media has significantly influenced and, in some cases, distorted our understanding of love. Many young people today are confused about what love truly means, so let’s explore these questions together.
What Is Love?
Is love that exhilarating feeling of butterflies in your stomach? Or is it the deep, unexplainable connection you feel with someone but struggle to put into words? While everyone may define love differently, I believe the simplest and most profound answer remains: “God is love.”
Growing up in a home where love was expressed daily, I saw love not just in words or grand gestures but in actions. True love is shown through effort and the willingness to sacrifice, nurture, and uplift someone else. Unfortunately, many people equate love solely with emotional highs or romantic gestures, ignoring the consistent actions that prove love’s depth and sincerity.
For instance, some say their parents never loved them simply because they weren’t outwardly affectionate. However, if those parents worked tirelessly, made sacrifices, and provided care, that was love in action. Love doesn’t always come in extravagant words or luxurious displays; sometimes, it’s found in small, everyday acts of service. And expecting two people with different life experiences to express love in the same way is unrealistic.
What Kind of Love Do You Deserve?
The love we seek is often shaped by what we grew up witnessing. For some, love started at home, and they now search for the same kind of affection they received from family. Others, however, want to correct what they perceived as their parents’ mistakes in love, treating relationships like a strategic game and giving only as much love as they receive.
This “tit for tat” approach is common, but is it right? That’s for you to decide. While no one wants to invest emotionally in something that feels temporary or transactional, this mindset contradicts biblical teachings on love.
A crucial question to ask yourself is: Are you a lovable person? It’s easy to demand unconditional love from others, but are you also willing to give love selflessly? Love isn’t just about receiving – it’s about becoming someone who embodies love in action.
Love Is Enough
As people celebrate Valentine’s Day, let’s reflect on what love truly means. The love we seek isn’t always missing: it’s often right in front of us, in everyday acts of kindness, patience, and sacrifice. You don’t need social media to teach you how to love your partner. Look around, real love is often found in simple, intentional actions.
Love is enough.
Ogo Adelakun is a lifestyle writer.
