I’m a romantic and still believe in love and unconditional love for my partner.
Originally Posted by LH
CWs it's interesting that you would make this statement when you divorced your W when she was depressed. That doesn't sound like unconditional love to me. Maybe I'm wrong?
Originally Posted by Steve
Love, except for parent-child (and for those of us who believe, God to human-beings) is never unconditional.
Originally Posted by Wayfarer
As to unconditional love, there's no such thing. All love is conditional. If your child is a serial killer you're still going to love them but you're not going to love them the way you loved them as a baby. Love evolves and changes.
LH, deep question. I believe I can love someone AND decide it's best if our lives don't intersect. You've no doubt read or watched some adaptation of the story, "The Fox And The Hound?"
Steve, I grew up with parents who didn't love me. Look at how many full-time single parents there are, cases of abandonment or neglect. If the enduring love parents give their children is a free choice, not automatic like breathing, that makes it more special, something we can bestow upon others?
Wayfarer, yes, the way(s) we love someone changes. If Little Johnn became a serial killer, some love may endure, but I may act against his interests (turn him in) and stop proudly sharing his pics. In your book, I could honestly tell a partner or child, "I'll always love you," but not "I love you unconditionally."
Food for thought. My big takeaway is I still have baggage to prioritize working through re: my XW, as I can fairly say I love all my ex's except her. She's just an acquaintance I co-parent well with.
