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Love in its deepest meaning is at the core of each of our lives. It is something much bigger and richer than the Hollywood romantic love we have all grown-up dreaming about and confused by. Valentine’s Day is, however, a wonderful opportunity to focus on that very special variety of love that occurs between two present or potential life partners.
Romantic Hollywood movies do a great job of inspiring and entertaining us with stories of “falling in love.” They end the story there, however, as though once we and our beloved have reached that glorious point of mutual commitment the whole story has been told -- everything has been resolved and any future challenges will be immediately conquered by the love we “fell into.”
A refreshingly realistic perspective regarding what is required to maintain a healthy
relationship is offered by Alain de Botton. He has written several books and essays on the subject, but the quickest way to hear the essence of his perspective is to listen to him on the February 11 episode of the NPR interview program “On Being.”
This interview can be found here where it is described as follows:
"As people, and as a culture," Alain de Botton says, "we would be much saner and happier if we reexamined our very view of love." His New York Times essay, “Why You Will Marry the Wrong Person,” is one of their
most-read articles in recent years, and this is one of the most popular episodes we’ve ever created. We offer up the anchoring truths he shares amidst a pandemic that has stretched all of our sanity — and tested the mettle of love in every relationship.
If you enjoy and value this interview as much as Linda and I have, you might want to share it with others who are in or contemplating
relationships!
Take care and stay safe.
Neil
Neil Swanson, MDiv, PCC, CACP
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