The word love. Some say it’s a noun. Others say it’s a verb. But really, what is love? Is it affection displayed towards one another? Is it the willingness to put the well-being of others before your own, or is it a deep passionate moment filled with sexual desires? Love can be all these things, but oftentimes, we confuse the emotion of love with lust, therefore, covering up toxic and unhealthy relationships. It is at this moment when we must ask ourselves, “What’s love got to do with it?”
Now, I’m no cupid or relationship guru. I’m just an average guy who, like everyone else, wants to have a happy and loving relationship one day. So, what’s the difference between healthy and toxic relationships? Well, in First Corinthians 13:1, it says: Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude.
Now, ask yourself does your relationship consists of all these things. If not all, how about some? If some is a stretch, then how about just one? See, love is the most powerful drug on earth. It makes you feel like you’re walking on air. It puts a smile on your face, and most importantly, it turns your worst days into your brightest, because love always gives hope. So, if you are getting all these things from the scripture, then your relationship is thriving, it is healthy, it is productive, but most of all, it is filled with true love. If it’s not filled with all these things, then what?
That’s when you must decipher the difference between love and being foolish. Unhealthy and toxic relationships are cruel. They are draining. They are filled with jealousy, belittling and little to no respect. Sometimes, loving a person is simply knowing when to walk away. Because the first person you should always love is you.
In a relationship, the energy should always be equal - never 70/30 or 60/40. If you find yourself making excuses or blaming yourself, then you need to evaluate your situation. Never stay with someone because of the kids, finances or fear of being alone. Unhealthy becomes cancerous and cancer becomes deadly. Love is never abusive, physically or mentally.
True. All relationships have issues, and most issues can be resolved but once they are, we must move on because love keeps no record of wrongs and is always forgiving. So, what’s love got to do with it? When it pertains to your health and happiness…. NOT A DAMN THING. So, be blessed and be strong. Know when to stay and when to move on.
