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The definition of love

By: Sherry Jackson Ask two people what they think love is and you will get two completely different answers. For most people love is a combination of things which are often quite confusing. Love can be respect or trust, burden or blessing and wonderful or terrifying.

Before we go on to examine why it is important to experience love from others, it is important to realise that all of us have different perceptions of love as mentioned above.

Studies conducted in the 1950s by Harry Harlow came to the result that humans need to experience the feeling of being loved to have a steady and healthy life. He came to this conclusion after undertaking psychological tests on people in relationships and people in isolation.

In support of Harry Harlow's work, we can also look at Maslow's work about the human hierarchy of needs, with love being very close to the top. This is regardless of age, gender or origin.

Maslow concluded that we all need social interaction and we are all social beings. This could range from having friends, being part of a strong family or having intimate relationships.

Being loved and loving someone is very special for most people. The feeling of acceptance and belonging is much appreciated by people and creates a positive mindset. On the other hand, people who do not form loving bonds struggle with negative energy and attitudes.

Those that do not love, feel that they are not loved, and lack a sense of "belonging" to the people in their lives can experience any of the following symptoms and/or emotions:

1. Many may feel extremely lonely. This may just affect one area of life, or several areas. It is possible to feel loved at home, and not feel this emotion among others.

2. Anxiety may be experienced if a person does not experience love in their life. This anxiety may occur in social situations.

3. Depression is often experienced by those that fail to experience love in their life.

4. Depression and negative thoughts may in some cases lead to suicidal tendencies. In some rare cases, the thoughts are followed by action.

It is not so simple to define love. It can be said that love is quite close to the process of acceptance. The acceptance of others exactly as they are and looking for the best in people. It is also the feeling of being accepted by others for who you truly are, without putting on an act.