A Well-Regarded Behavioral Therapist’s Thoughts on Love

Worth a moment’s reflection…

Pilgrim on a Long, Long Journey

“Unfortunately in our culture vulnerable relationships don’t happen as often as they should. People feel they have to have it together, be totally positive, and not show weaknesses. They are surrounded by warm bodies, but there is no deep connection. The one word that best describes the situation is 𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒚.

On the other hand, a few vulnerable relationships will always create a sense of connectedness. With any significant connection with someone, over time we will disagree, bug each other, hurt each other’s feelings, or separate from one another. No relationship of any gravitas is without its speed bumps. It’s just the nature of being human.

If you have never disagreed with someone important in your life, one of you is not necessary. But the great relationships are those which employ the love, persistence, character, and skills required to work things out and move on. The connections are often stronger once…

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An Unserious look at the Serious

“Certain things in life simply have to be experienced -and never explained. Love is such a thing.” Paulo Coelho, the renowned Brazilian novelist who wrote The Alchemist.

Now, turn away from the page and try to spell Paulo’s last name. Trying to spell his name after just a glance is something you just have to experience. He has spent 3% of his lifetime spelling it for others.

Per Paulo ,”When I had nothing to lose, I had everything. When I stopped being who I am, I found myself.” That was the brief period in which he called himself John Smith.

Then, of course, you have the serious writers. That would be people like the Scottish writer Ali Smith. She said, “And they all lived happily ever after until they died.” Woody Allen was a little more melodious about that event. “It is impossible to experience your own death objectively and still carry a tune.”