Super Sex Series: What is Love?

By: Holly Snyder, Executive Director


What is love? I mean real, lasting love. Isn't that what most of us want to know and deep down, really desire to have? Let’s talk a little bit about love… what it’s not and what it is.

 What love doesn't look like:
Hasty. Do you need time to decide how you truly feel about him or if you even want to be with him? Love doesn't come with pressure. Take that time to make a decision that is right for you!

Not Trusting and Jealous. He’s constantly asking you who you’re talking to or texting. He has to know where you are when you’re not with him. You can’t talk to anything male without there being a fight. Love doesn't come with chains.

 Holds Grudges. If he’s running a tally of the mistakes you've made and ready to use them during your next fight, it’s time to ask yourself some questions. Does this relationship help me to grow as a person or does it belittle me?

 Hurtful. It is so important to understand that love isn't hurtful. If you are being abused physically, emotionally, verbally, or sexually in your relationship reach out to us for help. We are here to listen and connect you with the help you need.

 It’s important to remember that this is what love doesn't look like from your partner or you. If we don’t want to be hurt or rushed into a decision or not trusted, then let’s not treat our men that way.

 Here’s what love does look like:
Patient. Love doesn't require decisions that aren't informed and thought out. Love is being patient with each other as you learn and grow as people.

 Kind. Love is being gentle and helpful towards each other.

 Respectful. Love is honoring each other as people with minds and emotions. It is taking the time to know each other and value the beliefs, opinions, and dreams of the other person. I’m not saying you can’t disagree with opposing beliefs or opinions. You can still love and respect a person for their beliefs and opinions and still have the choice of being or not being in a relationship with him.

 Not Self-Seeking. Loving someone isn't about just one person. It’s about two. Often those two people come with other people, i.e. family and friends, people that are important to them.

 Slow to Anger. Love wants to resolve problems, not blow them out of proportion. Love wants to listen to the other side of the disagreement, as well as calmly express her own side.

 Forgiving. Love might not forget, but certainly forgives the wrongs of the other person. Love doesn't dwell on the wrongs.

 Protecting. Love protects each other. Love doesn't want to see the other person hurt, including physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally and considers the other person's health in these areas in their words and actions.

 Trusting. Love doesn't lie.

 Perseveres. Love gets through the crummy parts of life. Love sticks it out through sickness, hardship, and uncertainty.

Committed and Faithful. This list wouldn't be complete without these attributes. Love in a romantic relationship is being committed to one person and being faithful to that person in every way.

Again, it needs to be said: this is what love will look like from your partner and it’s what love will look like from you.

The STPRC knows your relationships are your choice, and we’re here to help you navigate your way through. Contact us if you need someone to talk to.