Deep within the human mind is an emotional abyss that doth desire to be filled with love, acceptance and appreciation. We have all been loved, first, by our parents who lavished their love on us. Then, our friends at school were our closest fraternity (though some of my classmates sought solace from the girls in the school bus along the Galle Road). This love was extended to the tents of the college big match! But, from then on, once we began to enter the corporate domain our perception of romance was subject to many changes, primary of these being our spending power (or that of our girlfriends’ desire to purchase!). Gosh, thank goodness, there weren’t many spas around, then. Alas! as the Beatles belted it out, “Money can’t buy me love”.
I reckon, we are all quite bored (mildly disoriented) of the story of some benevolent priest who secretly wedded two desperate lovers and thus heralded the day of romance and steadfast love. This is supplemented by all the fiction and drama of the Elizabethan courts and their chapters of love, sex by candlelight induced with vintage wine, and galloping away on a robust stallion. Aye, some did gallantly wield the sword, and some were murdered. Methinks it only makes a good read and lacks real depth. As we lovers know, each nation has a story of such romance and adventure. I am sure Sri Lanka has its own tales of forbidden love. I remember climbing two waterfalls in the recent past and being told that the spirits of couples who have jumped from the top do roam, so now, even ghosts go on moonlight dates?
To those souls, deeply indulging in romance and affiliated “activities”, yes, it is awesome to be loved. Ah, the feeling of being passionately held in the arms of a lover, is greater than being a monarch, agree thou good fellow? Come, tarry awhile, and taste the lips of a maiden (these days in the democratic universe one can taste an assortment of lips under the rainbow). Now, the main thing about all romance is that it must lead to a sustainable marriage (there are even eco friendly green weddings, now, in town aney!) I was astounded to the core of my mortal being to find the rate of divorce on the rise.
This was not the norm in our island paradise two decades ago. Husbands and wives had their darker moments, yet, they completed the race and raised good children. As I recall, even blessed Elvis finally sang “Suspicious Minds” and then confessed, ‘Maybe I didn’t love you, but you were always on my mind”.
Pardon me digital lovers, but, the influence of social media on relationships has been positive and negative. Some fall in love simply to post photos and get likes on facebook (Ah, even Zuckerburg married an oriental lady and showed the power of being connected).
Golly, the images of lonely lasses flaunting their multi coloured lace straps and wielding grins of sexual predation is quite pathetic, but, they also want wholesome love, good knave! Today, love is not commercialized as many say. Genuine love can never be subject to roses, diamonds and weekend stays in suites (Ask Adam and Eve if you must!). I strongly believe, the way people choose to express their love is commercialized by themselves, and not the vendors of romantic relics and gummy bears.
Love cannot be simply restricted to couples, in a wider spectrum. People must come to love others, with no strings attached. Even the mute beast created by Victor Frankenstein received the brief acceptance of a blind old man.
The poor hunchback Quasimodo found love from the gypsy glam girl Esmeralda. My point is, don’t base your love on people’s looks. Take time to understand and know the inner man or woman. If you love others you will attract people who will stand by you (not the one that lean on you after downing a dozen margaritas).
We know that marriage is the ultimate endorsement of love. Marriage must be kept sacred, whatever religion you choose to practice. It is an enduring journey of facing life’s trials and triumphs, together as a team. One must cultivate the ability to love consistently, dispelling doubt. True love can transform a person. Perhaps, then the greatest human achievement is to be continually loved and love.