What Is True Love?

What Is True Love? Is it when you catch sight of your beloved and your heart starts racing? The increased heart rate is because of the adrenaline rush. The brain sends signals to the adrenal gland, which secretes hormones that flow through the blood and cause the heart to beat faster and stronger. The brain produces the neurotransmitter dopamine which gives you that focused attention, the euphoria, the energy and the motivation; as well as a stress hormone that makes you feel weak in the knees. It feels that this person is the source of your good feelings and brings the best out of you! You feel alive and you'll do everything for that person because you want that feelings to last forever. In this stage you are in what we called Romantic love.

However, like happiness, romantic love will fade because good feelings only depend on what happen. Hormones production will decline. And because you see the other person as the source of your good feelings, you blame them when you don't feel good. It sometimes feels like love is dying. Respect and appreciation might even disappear because of hurt feelings and neglect. At this point, it's easy to give in to hopelessness and despair.

Love is not just a strong emotion; it is also a personal connection, a commitment that needs nurturing.
The truth is all couple who has been happily married also went through the rough times. In this stage, you consciously and intentionally learn to better your relationship. You'll gain insights about yourself, about your partner and the nature of your relationship. And both of you will learn to accept each other as a unique individuals. You'll see your partner as your best friend. It is a partnership with deep love, respect and trust. You are satisfied and secured to be with that person no matter what. You are not under the influence of hormones. You are consciously aware that you love your partner for better or for worst. God's unconditional love flows through both of you and helps you see beyond faults and saw each other's needs. This is what we called "True Love"!

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

By Mhel P.