What is Love really?

Have you ever wondered what love really means? How do you tell if you love someone or like them? By knowing the difference and how to love, one can also learn how to be loved.

I was discussing this topic with a friend and stumbled upon a quote from Buddha that struck me: "If you like a flower, you pluck it. If you love a flower, you water it daily." This made me think about the difference between liking and loving someone. I want to explain with an analogy.

Imagine you are walking in a garden, and you see many beautiful flowers. You like them all, so pick them individually and put them in a vase. You water them for a while, but eventually, they wither and die. Then you go back to the garden and pick new flowers. This cycle repeats itself over and over. This is like having a superficial relationship with someone. You like them for their appearance or some other trait, but you don't care about their well-being or growth. You don't invest in them or commit to them. You enjoy them briefly and then move on to someone else. (This method is not advised as it will produce poor results)

Imagine walking in the same garden and seeing one flower that stands out. It's the most beautiful flower you have ever seen. You are tempted to pluck it, but then you realize that it will die soon if you do. So, instead, you decide to water it daily, nurture it, help it grow, and give it the best sunlight possible. You don't separate it from its surroundings but rather appreciate it. You watch it blossom and change over time. You are there for it through sunny and stormy days, protecting and supporting it. You grow together with it and form a bond that lasts. This is like having a deep and meaningful relationship with someone. You love them for who they are, not just for their looks or actions. You care about their happiness and growth. You invest in them and commit to them. You enjoy them for a long time and don't look for someone else.

I hope this analogy helps you understand the difference between liking and loving someone. We all deserve to find true love in our lives, not just temporary likes.