Thanks Tanja for always writing about the complex matters of the heart and this week, love. What I wondered as I read your excellent post is how do you define love? I remember a great post that you wrote on narcissism and the way that some narcissists can behave in a way that simulates love but it is just a trap.
As I read your post my mind went to the Netflix series about Robbie Williams which has just come out and I looked at the first episode. I don't think I will view any more but I was astounded at the "love" on the faces of young girls for their idol. Yet - Robbie was an emotional trainwreck and couldn't work out how to get out of a toxic spiral - he needed the "love" of his fans but this fed into his psychopathology.
I suppose the answer to your question is - no we can't love too much but we need to understand what love is. Sometimes this is tough love and means setting firm boundaries. Sometimes it means laying down your life. You have provided lots for us to think about.
Loved the photo Lake Starnberg this week. It is a lake with many different faces. By the way, I was quite taken with how powerful Robbie Williams song "Angels" is - you may know it but it was really only big in the UK. As I listened to the song this week on the Netflix program, I realized that it was a song in a million that manages to pull at the emotional heartstrings in a way that few songs are able. You may like to include it as a "song of the week" when it seems right. Thanks for taking us on your journey!
I just realised that the reply I wrote last week was not posted for some reason. Perhaps it is because I am in with my sister and have been for the past three weeks to help out as she has broken her hand.
You asked how I define love for myself and I struggle with that question as I don’t really define it as much as I feel it. This is such a complex topic. I tried to briefly write about it a while ago - https://changeandevolve.substack.com/p/love-love.
Love is so complex and I personally more feel than define it. The love for my children for example is absolutely unconditional and the strongest love I have ever felt. I might go back to this beautiful topic of love now and again and thank you for reminding me of Robbie Williams‘ beautiful song Angel, which I will gladly use in my letter one day.
Thanks Tanja for getting back to me. I like your response and it is true - like many things that are hard to define - you know it when you see it. Thanks for the reminder about your earlier post. You did a great job of outlining various forms of love and their significance. I have always been challenged by the idea that love is a commitment not just a feeling. I suppose it depends what this love looks like but the heart of the idea is that for example in marriage - sometimes it needs a commitment that transcends a feeling. Thanks for continuing to write about love. It is always illuminating to read your perspective. Looks like you had a great visit with your sister. Love is sometimes even more challenging in families (but I am sure - not yours!)
Thanks Tanja for always writing about the complex matters of the heart and this week, love. What I wondered as I read your excellent post is how do you define love? I remember a great post that you wrote on narcissism and the way that some narcissists can behave in a way that simulates love but it is just a trap.
As I read your post my mind went to the Netflix series about Robbie Williams which has just come out and I looked at the first episode. I don't think I will view any more but I was astounded at the "love" on the faces of young girls for their idol. Yet - Robbie was an emotional trainwreck and couldn't work out how to get out of a toxic spiral - he needed the "love" of his fans but this fed into his psychopathology.
I suppose the answer to your question is - no we can't love too much but we need to understand what love is. Sometimes this is tough love and means setting firm boundaries. Sometimes it means laying down your life. You have provided lots for us to think about.
Loved the photo Lake Starnberg this week. It is a lake with many different faces. By the way, I was quite taken with how powerful Robbie Williams song "Angels" is - you may know it but it was really only big in the UK. As I listened to the song this week on the Netflix program, I realized that it was a song in a million that manages to pull at the emotional heartstrings in a way that few songs are able. You may like to include it as a "song of the week" when it seems right. Thanks for taking us on your journey!
I just realised that the reply I wrote last week was not posted for some reason. Perhaps it is because I am in with my sister and have been for the past three weeks to help out as she has broken her hand.
You asked how I define love for myself and I struggle with that question as I don’t really define it as much as I feel it. This is such a complex topic. I tried to briefly write about it a while ago - https://changeandevolve.substack.com/p/love-love.
Love is so complex and I personally more feel than define it. The love for my children for example is absolutely unconditional and the strongest love I have ever felt. I might go back to this beautiful topic of love now and again and thank you for reminding me of Robbie Williams‘ beautiful song Angel, which I will gladly use in my letter one day.
Thanks Tanja for getting back to me. I like your response and it is true - like many things that are hard to define - you know it when you see it. Thanks for the reminder about your earlier post. You did a great job of outlining various forms of love and their significance. I have always been challenged by the idea that love is a commitment not just a feeling. I suppose it depends what this love looks like but the heart of the idea is that for example in marriage - sometimes it needs a commitment that transcends a feeling. Thanks for continuing to write about love. It is always illuminating to read your perspective. Looks like you had a great visit with your sister. Love is sometimes even more challenging in families (but I am sure - not yours!)