Love in the Modern World

(Disclaimer: This editorial reflects the personal opinion of the writer and includes commentary that aims to spark reflection and discussion rather than present absolute truth. Comments are encouraged to promote a healthy discussion and welcome a diverse perspective on the topic.)

Love once was accompanied by soul-searching feelings; an intertwining of two entities meant to grow together perpetually. It was a feeling highly looked upon, and something everyone yearned to be experienced at least once in a lifetime. It was a pursuit of faith and adoration, both sacred and personal, yet fulfilling. 

Poets like Shakespeare describe love in a striking way as if it’s something that immortalizes a person. Filled with endless sacrifices, compromise, and devotion. In his own words, love is unwavering and resilient, and should withstand even the harshest storm. It is not just a feeling but a power that defies all odds. But such love, once passionately described, still exists today, or was it more than just a romanticized relic of the past?

Yet, as we approach modernization, our ability to comprehend love evolves as well. Love that was once upheld and revered is starting to lose its meaning. Social media posts are flooded with phrases like “Never Settle…” “Not reciprocating the same energy,” “Red flags,” and “ toxicity” are words that frame love as being transactional, that every action is now equivalent to something. Couples become reliant on other people’s guidance, which allows others’ perspectives to dictate the course of the relationship. We approached an era where, as a social being, we rationalize love instead of just feeling it. Love which should provide security and euphoria now induces nothing but constant anxiety; a relationship running on a thread that can snap at any moment. 

The concept of “date to marry” is now becoming a laughingstock. Yet it’s funnier how people treat dating as a sort of “phase,” pursuing love despite being emotionally unavailable. The idealization of love; seeing through the lens of rainbows and butterflies, leads to running away when confronted with reality, instead of working through compatibility—that it also entails settling individual differences, loving their inner demons, and sharing their burdens until you become one.

Perhaps the question we should be asking is: Have we lost the essence of love, or are we just simply afraid to accommodate its demand? Love is a force of nature that dissolves hate, and fear but requires a never-ending effort. But in a time where love is becoming an instant gratification, do we still have the capacity to nurture what should take time to build?