Have you experienced unconditional love?

I wonder often what that could ever be like or feel like. Having a sadistic, violent and mentally ill mother, I have not known any person to accept and love me, fully. I do have severe PTSD from the awful years withstanding her torture, and it's only natural one would feel inhuman and broken. I do not know how ill ever find a man to accept someone with so much trauma. Have you experienced unconditional love? Do you fear you'll never find it?

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JoyfulSilence · 51-55, M

I have not experienced unconditional love. I do not think it is possible in this universe. Evolution favors individual aggression and assertiveness, although cooperation and care can also help make a species or society fitter in the aggregate. And sacrifices of a few can benefit the whole. In the end what counts is propagating genes, and whatever works will win, right or wrong.

I try to be decent in general, yet also have instincts and passions. I prefer to rely on myself, unless I know others can do better, or are the only source. Then I accept help, or pay for it.

I suppose love is different in that it requires no payment. It is a gift with no expectation of return. Yet decency increases the chances.

I love people when it is natural or I feel indebted. But mostly I keep to myself. I like to be honest and when I decide to commit I want to follow through. Yet I also quit when it is too hard. I am only human. I cannot please all, and usually do not feel such an obligation.