Friday, February 22, 2013

10 Steps to 'Loving for a Lifetime'

Love is a word that describes a complex human emotion. In my work, I hear time and time again, “I’m just not sure I am in love with him/her anymore”.  What does it mean when someone expreses his or her uncertainty?

I believe love is multi-dimensional, and very confusing. Everyday in my work I help people sort out what they mean when they say they love someone. Love is not just one experience. Love includes excitement and passion and love includes enjoyment and comfort. Love is about connection. Love is about commitment.

Romantic love, which is a special combination of physical attraction, powerful brain chemistry and emotional connection, is not all there is to love but when you fall in love, it is forever. This is where it gets confusing. How often have you heard that romantic love, also called passionate love, doesn’t last? However, the memory of falling in love is saved in your emotional brain’s memory bank. The memories you created as a couple are also there.

For me, the question isn’t whether love does or doesn’t last a lifetime.  The question is how do you preserve, protect, and keep romantic love alive for a lifetime. It is possible.