I just read a comment within a thread where a member stated that humans cannot love unconditionally. It really got me to thinking.....is that a true statement or just a belief by this member and possibly many other members?
So, I sat and considered this statement. I think what I came up with is confusing LOL. Here are some of my circumstances and thoughts on unconditional love (if anyone is interested LOL).
My Children/Grandchildren
Most definitely, my love is unconditional towards them. Nothing could possibly take away my love for them.
My Friends
Yep, another situation where my love is unconditional. Even if there are situations that arise that we cannot work through, for whatever reason, I still love them no matter what.
Other Family Members
There are some that I love and some that I merely tolerate. Even my only brother, I love him unconditionally, but I merely tolerate him as we do not have a close relationship for a number of different reasons that I won't get into.
Current or Past Husbands
This is a more difficult situation. Take my first husband, the abuser/alcoholic. If I loved him unconditionally, I might not be here right now. Or, if I loved him unconditionally, things may have worked out. I pretty much doubt the second scenario. Then again, after our divorce and for my children's sake, I stepped in to help him many times with his demons of drink and self destruction, getting him into rehab, hospitalizations etc. I forgave him for the abuse he dealt me. I haven't forgotten and never will. But does this constitute an unconditional love for this human, even if I was hurt by him?
My second husband, I will always have in my heart. We grew apart but I love him like a brother and would do anything for him if he needed my help. I believe that is unconditional love.
My third husband I will ALWAYS love. No matter how my heart is broken over our situation, no matter that he was unable to hold tight and keep his hope alive, no matter how I found this out, my love for him will never diminish......hence, unconditional love.
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I guess what I'm trying to say is that unconditional love doesn't mean (to me) that everything has to be rosey and wonderful. Many times it can be downright muddied and confusing and we may not always LIKE what our loved ones may say or do. Sometimes, our unconditional love is not enough to keep the relationship healthy, no matter how hard we try. Sometimes the relationships break apart because of external interference....but it doesn't mean we don't love them unconditionally.
So, those are my thoughts......please feel free to add yours as well. I'm really curious to know how others feel about this!
sabby