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KathyM: I agree with this, but I think we should use a little restraint and remain respectful when showing our love for others. I grew up in Chicago and learned only a fool would embrace a stranger without checking for weapons first. Not only is it dangerous, it's rude. I don't like being embraced by strangers who claim to "love" me...

I suspect that for most of us, "love" is a very personal thing. I've had people who were little more than strangers tell me they loved me. 'How can you love me?" I thought at the time, "You hardly even know me!" (And if they did, they might not love me at all.)

I'm not sure if many of us can pull unconditional love for everyone out of our hats or even how many of us would want it from everyone. However, I did come across a term I really liked called "unconditional regard". To me, to have unconditional regard for other people is to extend to them the basic modicums of respect and to acknowledge that they are their own person, with their own life, on their own path. I might not love everyone, but I try to have unconditional regard for those I meet. Mostly, I succeed... but not always.