“The beginning of love is the will to let those we love be perfectly themselves, the resolution not to twist them to fit our own image. If in loving them we do not love what they are, but only their potential likeness to ourselves, then we do not love them: we only love the reflection of ourselves we find in them”
― Thomas Merton, No Man Is an Island
The beginning of love is such a powerful experience. The feelings and thoughts that usually occur during this time can be life-altering. I’m grateful to have experienced it a few times in my life. I learned many lessons from each experience. I took those lessons into the next relationship and cultivated a deeper and truer love each time. I have much more love to give if there’s another chapter in my romantic life. My love is more agape and unattached than at previous times in my life. Time will tell if and when I get to share this through romantic channels. For now, I’m content sharing it with my family and friends.