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| Artcard by Mika Orolfo |
Across cultures and centuries, love often takes center stage in our lives, with its whirlwind of promises and passion. It is a multifaceted force that fuels our lives in diverse ways, but romantic love is not the only kind that we celebrate. In fact, we experience different love in our daily lives. All the warm hugs from your parents, the loud but sometimes playful banter with your siblings, the meaningful smiles you exchange with your best friends, the excited sprint towards your pets, and even the excitement for what life has in store for us are forms of love. Love is like a guitar, with each string representing a different kind. There are days you strum a string or two, but to produce the greatest rhythm made by love is to strum each string, to celebrate and appreciate everyone and everything around us.
Of course, in the month of February, we will never forget romantic love—the bond between two people that grows and deepens over time. As the relationship matures, the strings of love stretch and become more refined, much like the chords on a well-tuned guitar. At first, each note is clear and loud, but with time, the music becomes richer and more nuanced, making the relationship more special and unique. This form of love often leaves a resonating melody in our hearts. All the shared experiences, memories, trust, and dreams between partners turn into a beautiful harmony that reflects not just the thrill of love, but the understanding and support they’ve built together. But as much as we are familiar with the strings of romantic love, there are even more strings of love that create beautiful melodies.
The next string of love is love for your family. The unconditional affection of parents, the playful bond of siblings, the comforting embrace of grandparents, and the sincere admiration of cousins—these connections form the foundation of our emotional well-being. Some family members are good at expressing their love, some are not. They all have different ways to express it, but familial love is always present. It offers a source of unwavering support and acceptance that shapes our very identity. It teaches us trust, vulnerability, and a sense of belonging that anchors us through life’s storms.
Friendship doesn't stay behind when it comes to love, it is the string of companions who share our laughter and tears, the ones who stand shoulder-to-shoulder through highs and lows, the ones who guide and inspire us—our best friends who enrich our souls and broaden our horizons. Platonic love offers a music sheet for shared experiences, personal growth, and unconditional empathy. That even if you all came from different backgrounds and grew up in different households, you are able to adjust with each other. It reminds us that we are not alone in this journey, that they, too, are running towards the finish line, and they are ready to help us.
The love for our pets is one of the purest forms of love because it is unconditional. They offer us comfort without expectation, love without judgment, and loyalty that goes beyond what can be expressed in words. Just like how we rely on family, friends, and romantic partners, our precious pets become a vital part of our lives. Each moment with them, whether it's playing fetch or simply sitting quietly together, is a moment to cherish. The love we share with our pets isn’t driven by obligation but by mutual understanding and care, where both sides provide comfort and support.
One of the most chaotic but interesting strings is the love for life, which connects us to our own personal journey. There are moments when we may feel disconnected or unsure of our path, but the strings of love for life gently pull us back toward our true selves, reminding us that our journey is uniquely our own. It is through these strings that we find the courage to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from our experiences. Sometimes, you’d hate to hear this string play, but once you learn how to play the right notes, you’ll find yourself looking forward to what life is about to bring.
The last string is the most crucial but often neglected because of the idea of selfishness. Self-love is the gentle acceptance of our imperfections, the trust in our own potential, and the fierce commitment to our well-being. It is the base from which all the other strings can flourish and create beautiful music. When we appreciate the unique skills and gifts we are blessed with, and set healthy boundaries which can help us protect ourselves, we cultivate a sense of inner peace and strength that allows us to truly connect with others and have a healthy relationship with ourselves.
These diverse forms of love are not isolated melodies or muted strings but are parts of the instrument that make us feel alive and allow us to continuously play music that comforts the soul. They sustain each other, creating a powerful resonance that shapes our interactions with the world around us.
This month, let us not only celebrate one type of love but learn to recognize and appreciate the passion, care, and tenderness which we receive and experience every day.
