“LOVE, ROMANCE, AND FAITHLESSNESS: (On Behalf of The So-called Empaths and Chronic Philophobes)” in "WRITER@WORK"

Love has always been The Topic for centuries. So has romance, depending on the object of one’s affection.

And faith? Many say it’s for keeps, one of the reasons why we should is for...that’s right, love.

However, human heart and mind don’t always see eye-to-eye.

There are times when one wishes not to feel too much about everything and everybody. If you’re like that too, then don’t worry. You’re not the one and only. Some are just good at camouflaging themselves, in order to avoid being called ‘cry-babies’ alias overly sensitive – as if it’s the most disgraceful weakness in this already cold, cruel world.

They often have no idea that they’re slowly damaging their health from within...until it’s way too late.

The question is: have they ever been in the same situation you’re in? Well, even if they have, it’s still not right to judge. Everyone can always come up with different solutions – even for the same problem.

Another or so question(s): how do they live with that after a made decision? Can they look back without any regrets? Will they be able to completely move on past it?

It takes a lot for anyone to become a chronic philophobe. Same old, sad love stories. Same old, real heartbreaks and unhappy endings. Others’ misfortunes in love.

What else is new? People talk about ‘moving on’ as if it’s equal to an easy, breezy stroll in the park – or an ‘on-off’ switch button at home. Just like that.

If only...

Who’s ever been told that – time and time again – one must never give up on hope when it comes to love? Keep the faith, that’s what they always say. Everything will turn out right in the end. Even if it’s not, then it’s not the end. As long as one shall live, that means they’re not done yet.

Someone right will come along. You won’t be forever alone. All that jazz...

What if everytime you hope for a change, it still happens the same way? Someone you love doesn’t love you back, or even worse – still has feelings for someone else in the past. You can’t have the same feelings for someone who loves you deeply, no matter how hard you try. Of course, you don’t want to be in a relationship based on pity.

Some may try to blame you for all of that. You’re not doing it right. You’re too picky. You’re not making more effort. You’re trying too hard. You’re simply not connecting to reality.

You, you, you, and you. Sounds like a one-sided accusation. You just can’t win with these people.

If that is the case, can they blame you for being afraid to hope for love again? Is it true that it’s really for everyone?

What if some people were born just to sing the blues?

There are other factors as well. How do we know that our existence in their lives won’t be a threat to their well-being...and vice versa? How can we tell that we’re good enough for them?

Why do ghosts of the past have to get in the way?

Is it true that love is really enough? Why can’t it be?

Sadly, we don’t have all the answers. Sometimes it feels like we are consistently drawn to each other, yet we crash and burn alone. Love?

**R.**