I
love you.” “I love this.” “I love that.” Love is a crucial part of the human experience, a vital component for both a healthy mind and body. While it is universally important, love does not have one singular definition. Love can be expressed and felt in a variety of ways within our day to day lives—always multifaceted and unique in every form.
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he romantic love between individuals is often idealized to fit perfect fairytale storylines when in reality it is much more complex. Paly senior, Sophie Stier, has been in a long term relationship for a year and a half and has since learned the nuances about love. “Relationships are more than just love,” Stier said. “Just because you love someone doesn’t mean your entire life revolves around them.” Coming into her first relationship, Stier has learned the truths about love that society does not always present. “[Love is] beautiful and wonderful, but it shows that being in love and having someone love you doesn’t solve all your problems in life,” Stier said. “I feel like people are desperate to be in a relationship, thinking that their life is going to be immensely better, but that’s not how it works.” While a romantic relationship can be beneficial, Stier emphasizes the importance of remaining grounded and not losing sight of one’s goals. “I want people going into a relationship to remember to put themselves first and not make huge sacrifices that won’t benefit them,” she said. “If your partner truly loves you, they will want the best for you and wouldn’t encourage you to sacrifice something important to you for them.”
Affection is a key part of romantic relationships and there are numerous ways to express gratitude for one another apart from physical attraction. Both partners should feel heard, accepted and affirmed of their feelings. Simple acts, like being kind to their family members or listening to their day, can make all the difference. “The person you’re in love with is also your best friend, someone who makes you laugh and enjoy your time with them,” Stier said. But relationships can also yield potentially hazardous situations, and teenagers are among the most vulnerable. Senior Isabel Armstrong is Co-President of Paly’s One Love Club, a group of students dedicated to educating people about healthy and unhealthy relationships. “A healthy relationship is one where there is trust, respect and open communication,” senior Armstrong said. “You feel comfortable sharing how you feel and you do so often, and both parties are equally in control of the pace and direction of the relationship.” But despite the risks, Armstrong encourages people to open up to love.” You should never let the fear stop you from being vulnerable,” she said. “If you’re always closed off you will never get to experience love in the first place.”
“We were never taught how to love ourselves.” Sabrina Chan
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