C'est L'amour

Ah, the age-old question of romance. What's ok? What's not ok? Are our relationships just pinned on societal norms that need to be changed? Are we losing the societal norms from the olden days that used to make romance magical?

One thing is for sure: something is different. Things aren't the way they were. I remember having a conversation with my dad years ago about what life was like in the dating scene "back in the day." I remember him telling me that people have been saying that no - it wasn't as different as we were making it out to be: we just know more now than we did then.

He rolled his eyes. Because yes. It is different.

Life moves a lot faster now than it did. We're not in the 50's anymore. Even the free love of the 60's and 70's is completely and totally different from the iAge and eAge we live in now. Everything is different. Some say it's better. Most say it's not.

If we're being honest with ourselves, we have to stop and smell the roses. We have to look up from our phones and tilt our heads to the side and wonder to ourselves whether or not we're being better people. It's hard to ask yourself the big questions, like: "Is this changing me for the better?" or "Am I supposed to be in a relationship right now?"

Whoa. Bleh. Who wants to deal with that anyways? Isn't that like...'down-the-road' stuff?

One thing is for sure, the more we value ourselves--really and truly-- the more we know to ask these questions. And the more honest we'll be with ourselves when we answer them. When we really look at our lives, even in this society and this time period, we should be asking ourselves how we're going to be better, from every experience. Even bad breakups. Even crushes that go nowhere.

Be a gentleman. Be a lady. Own yourself and remember that you're worth more than what most people are willing to throw at you these days. Real romance makes you happier, healthier, and holier (as Bishop Loverde used to say). And true love, of course, is what everyone in the world is shooting for. Don't settle for anything less.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails."

~ 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Much love!
Ceci Galvin
CYM, St. John the Evangelist