True Love: The Misconception
I just got done texting my husband, Chris, about my frustration. Told him I am tired of the media bombarding women with this misconception that we deserve a guy's undivided attention. Or anyone's for that matter. Everywhere you turn there is this undertone of "I deserve 100% of your attention." For someone who doesn't require much attention, it still catches me sometimes! What is it like for everyone else? Yesterday, I was flipping through Facebook when I came across this "suggested post" that had illustrations depicting couples with the title "True Love" plastered across the top. I flipped through them. Ya.......
There was one that had a picture of a guy and girl mid-air, holding pillows up in the air like they were swinging them around. Everything was light and merry. Their faces full of glee and joy. This picture made no sense. Last I checked, a pillow fight can get intense. Even if you are someone who feels that a guy and girl could be equally matched in said fight, would you expect it to look so light and free? No, you would probably see gritted teeth and muscles flexing. The picture was clearly depicting more than a pillow fight.
Other pictures showed couples kissing while cooking, cuddling on a blanket in the park, eating fancy dinners, and lots of hugging while doing chores around the house. Seems a little restrictive if you ask me.
So, ya there are probably relationships out there that involve both people wanting to cuddle on a blanket in the park, but why should this be depicted as "true love" for everyone? I certainly wouldn't want to do that with Chris. He and I are pretty practical. He encourages me when I feel down by pushing me to take my walk or go to the gym. I do a lot of the cleaning around the house because I know he works 12 hour days. We hash stuff out and then feel good when things are resolved. We love opening our home up for people to enjoy food and company. We do this together, not necessarily for each other. Yet, in the end, our path is the same path and we aren't alone. So yes, we do things for each other, just not the way that you would expect.
Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Out do one another in showing honor. Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. - Romans 12:9-13
True love is not based on what society tells you is good. It takes two very different people wanting to make things work and enjoying the ride while you're at it. If you need an example of what love really looks like, look at the life of Christ. He was selfless. Though He deserved 100% attention, respect, and worship, He stepped down to become a human like us. We don't deserve what He gave us. Something to think about.
