On Love

What is it really?

One of the most confusing topics my whole life has been about love.

What is it really?

It seems growing up there were two sources attempting to teach me.

The first began at birth and continued slowly over time, sometimes imperceptibly. I believe it is continuing its instructions to this day. I will talk more about this one in a bit.

The second source was louder and more in my face. It was also, fortunately, intermittent. It would blast away from magazines, music, and fashions of the day. Everything that appeared new and enticing to whatever age I was at the time, would, at least for a time, trump everything else – meaning I would give it serious consideration. And what was its message about love? Here is a familiar song that I think sums it up quite well.

Who can argue with the Beatles? In a nutshell the message of this song is that all I need is love and that I have what it takes to play the game. Just what one needs to hear when going through puberty.

As it turns out, the two sources were giving me different ideas about what love is, so for the next few days, I will attempt to set the record straight — at least in my own mind. Please join me, invite others, and feel free to comment as we go.