Is it possible to love someone you aren't completely attracted to physically?
Robot
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ElwoodBlues · M
Yes, absolutely. I'll go so far as to say Shakespeare got it all wrong! Shakespeare elevated romantic love between adults above all other forms of love.
However, and I think other parents here will back me up, the greatest love most of us ever experience is that of a parent for their children. It's a greater, longer lasting love than any other.
However, and I think other parents here will back me up, the greatest love most of us ever experience is that of a parent for their children. It's a greater, longer lasting love than any other.
DrWatson · 70-79, M
@ElwoodBlues
On the other hand, in Sonnet 130, even Shakespeare talks of love not depending on physical beauty:
My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun;
Coral is far more red than her lips' red;
If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun;
If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.
I have seen roses damasked, red and white,
But no such roses see I in her cheeks;
And in some perfumes is there more delight
Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks.
I love to hear her speak, yet well I know
That music hath a far more pleasing sound;
I grant I never saw a goddess go;
My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground.
And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare
As any she belied with false compare.
On the other hand, in Sonnet 130, even Shakespeare talks of love not depending on physical beauty:
My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun;
Coral is far more red than her lips' red;
If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun;
If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.
I have seen roses damasked, red and white,
But no such roses see I in her cheeks;
And in some perfumes is there more delight
Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks.
I love to hear her speak, yet well I know
That music hath a far more pleasing sound;
I grant I never saw a goddess go;
My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground.
And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare
As any she belied with false compare.
ElwoodBlues · M
@DrWatson You're right that sonnet isn't about physical beauty and thus addresses the OP's question about love & attraction between adults.
But it kinda underlines my point that Shakespeare missed the boat regarding parental love of children being the greatest love most of us will experience.
But it kinda underlines my point that Shakespeare missed the boat regarding parental love of children being the greatest love most of us will experience.
DeWayfarer · 61-69, M
@ElwoodBlues I could argue with that, yet won't. Just look up the greek word "agape".
I do mean the actual ancient Greek word. Not the religious perversion.
I do mean the actual ancient Greek word. Not the religious perversion.