The Short Definition of Love

Photo by Joey Felps

The Short Definition of Love

​When you are asked the question, what is love?    It can conjure up definitions, quotes, stories, experiences and scripture.  And while every single one of those has truth, I'm going to oversimplify the definition today.
Love means putting others first.
There you go. Done.  

Bottom line, love means putting others before yourself.  Seem too simple?  Let's break it down.
When you love someone or want to show love to someone, anyone, you want their happiness.  And you are willing to put your needs second to ensure their happiness.  No one shows this better than a parent. 
Our children eat before we do... Our children sleep before we sleep... Our children get new clothes, haircuts, new toys, new technology and we are playing catch-up; happy with the few moments to ourselves in the bathroom! Lol
No matter how old our children are... you never lose that feeling.  I would do everything in my power for my children if that was in their best interest.  I love them with every fiber of my being.  It comes natural to me.

In our intimate relationships, the same is applied. If you want nothing more than your partner to be happy, and he/she want's nothing more than your happiness, then you have found the right equation.
What things do you do in your relationships to see that your love relationships are your priority?

When you love someone else, you are constantly thinking, what would be in their best interest?
Selfishness thinks only of oneself.  Love thinks of others.
It's not about what you can get.  The power you can wield.  It's about what you can give. How can you help?  What can you do to make their life easier?  What would make them smile?  
It's not about following blindly, or losing yourself within someone else.  It's about helping them to shine and you grow from their glow.

Love is shown in similar forms all day every day and can be displayed with everyone you meet.
Love is opening the door for someone else. 
...letting someone go in front of you in line.
... buying someone else's order.
... smiling

Following the simplicity of this rule, sometimes, showing love, by putting others first isn't always easy.  At times, there are tough choices to be made still keep their best interests in mind.  
By putting others first, does not mean you become a doormat.  (That is usually the first argument I get when I talk on this.)  It does not mean you have to do whatever the other person says, just to make them happy.  It does not mean that you have to go against your beliefs or endanger you or your family in any way.  If they ask you to do any of those things, they are not seeing you through eyes of love and you will have to make some tough decisions.
Sometimes you have to make that call to the addiction hotline to get your love some help.
Sometimes it means you have to walk away from an abusive relationship to save yourself.
Sometimes you have to stand firm on a decision if it means the best for your family.
Love does NOT mean to follow blindly.  If the other person loved you, was putting YOU first, you wouldn't have to be making these difficult decisions.  You can love them, still, and love yourself too.  By putting others first, it is a sacrifice.  But you shouldn't be in love by yourself. 
Recognize love coming back to you.  Recognize when it does not.

Love is putting others first.  The end.  If the ones you are in a relationship with are not putting you first?  They are not in love.  If you are not putting them first?  Guess what?  You're not in love either.

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