The essence of love

The whole world celebrated Valentine's Day yesterday. It is a yearly tradition to give flowers, chocolates, and other gifts to one’s partner in a supposed act of love. Of course, the sectors that benefited the most were those in business. They had to remain open until the end of the day to accommodate couples on their respective dates. Restaurants were full, flower shops sold out, and the traffic jam continued to be horrendous, as it always is.

They say that Valentine's Day teaches us the essence of love. However, in my years of existence, I have found it difficult to encapsulate what love truly means. It is an abstract concept that not even the oldest books can fully define. The Bible does have a passage about love, but its definition is likened to other virtues such as patience, kindness, and honesty. Love, in its essence, is not rigid.

It does not only concern romantic relationships. In many ways, it extends to concern for others. Growing up, I had a ton of friends who were my companions as I tried to navigate life. When we graduated from school, some friendships started to drift, yet others remained. Those connections grew stronger, and our conversations became deeper. They started to feel like family, becoming an integral part of my gatherings. My feelings for them are not for mere acquaintances anymore.

Love can also extend beyond friendships to the community. Those who position themselves as leaders and seek election often use this as a reason for their candidacy. They present public service as a way to express love for the residents of an area. That love translates into more tangible things, such as projects and funds allocated from the government’s budget. Whether it is a genuine act or merely a political mise-en-scène is another question entirely. Our votes also reflect the level of love to our community.

On a larger scale, love can be expressed through the cultivation of a spirit of nation-building. It is the driving force that leads individuals to volunteer without expecting anything in return. Their desire for a better country translates into love in the sense that they feel compelled to be present at every step of the process for change. At the end of the day, love transcends the present and focuses on what can be offered to the next generation.

For some, love remains a mushy and clichéd concept. I would define love on my own terms as an expression of unwavering action toward a person or a group. It is a feeling without limits or bounds, regardless of the situation. I suppose that is why ministers ask couples to vow "for richer or for poorer" and "in sickness and in health" because the reality of love withstands the test of time. I did enjoy my own date, indulging in my favorite dessert and receiving some flowers. These may serve as symbols of that four-letter word, but we should also introspect on what other subjects are worthy of our love.