if you're looking for unconditional love, get a dog!

One of my nieces had posted this message on Facebook, "if you are looking for unconditional love, get a dog". Have we become so self-centered and self-absorbed that unconditional love is a rare occurrence? Things like fun, success and money has more value than love in our lives.

In every relationship, whether it be friendship or romantic love, it seems like people have to tread water very carefully. We are so overworked and under pressure that we have no tolerance for our loved ones. Our relationship fuses have become very short. We have a tendency to react first. when I was growing up, people made time for each other. People put effort into relationships, not for personal gain but just for the pure joy of the relationship. These days, no relationship is spared from competition and hidden agendas. "What have you done for me lately?" has become new age relationship mantra.

How did we allow "till death do us part" vow to become "till it suits me" vow? How did we let the story of Antony and Cleopatra become a fantasy instead of the beautiful love story that it was. It appears that deep everlasting love has become optional. We are willing to change our friends and partners like we upgrade our cell phones. We put off relationships for later but later never comes and people grow apart. Our wants and needs have grown so much that we are always in survival mode. We get so busy with our schedules that we stop making time for our partners and meeting their needs. This causes an emotional disconnect leading to a loveless relationship or infidelity.

Trust is the back bone of any meaningful relationship. We are unable to put full trust into a relationship due to the fear of pain that follows if the trust is ever broken. In order to experience the true beauty that love has to offer, one has to choose to become completely vulnerable. It is a gamble that only a few lucky people are willing to take.

In my journey with chronic pain, unconditional love has been my saving grace. The fact that I have not become a cynical, bitter person is a testimony to the power of unconditional love. I was fortunate enough to be the recipient of unconditional love. It has saved my life and filled my soul with beauty.


Love is always bestowed as a gift - freely, willingly and without expectation. We don't love to be loved; we love to love.
Leo Buscaglia