L.O.V.E

love is undoubtedly the world's most discussed phenomenon. unfortunately, there are no laws governing the use of the word "love", and it often serves to label all sorts of behavior. people kill to prove their love. they commit suicide because they lost their love. individuals live in mutilating commitments for a lifetime out of love. people manipulate each other because of their needs, feelings & values-- all under the auspices of "love".

as anyone realizes, the word "love" is greatly misused today. love is not infatuation; it is a not a feeling in our hearts; it is not having "sex"; it is not tolerating our spouse. perhaps the best definition in that it is the giving self to another in a relationship that seeks the welfare of the other and not one's own self-interests.

kinds of love:

a) love of desire- is interest in self-seeking, the selfish type which is commonly referred to as physical or romantic love. it is characterized by an intense, emotional state, stimulated physiologically to a great degree by the physical presence/ attributes of the object loved.

b) love of benevolence- when love is disinterested, self giving, self-sacrificing, the type referred to as spiritual love or agape. the main thrust of this kind of love is to do good, to work for the welfare or happiness of the loved one.