Love or Lust: Know The Difference

Love is easily one of the most abused, misused and misinterpreted words in the world. Many people use the word to express a strong liking to inanimate objects, in the same breath they use the word to express their ardent attachment to their significant other. Other times, the word is misused in a relationship that lacks the characteristics of real true love.

The basic meaning of the word is, in terms of an intimate relationship, is the deepest interpersonal affection, the highest human emotion expressed through selflessness, loyalty, and devotion.

How many times have you fallen in love for the first time? How many times have you told someone that you loved them, broken up and found a new man, realizing that your previous relationship wasn’t really love? How many times have you told yourself that you’ve never loved anyone the way that you love the new person? But, what if I told you that your love was lust?

Though the symptoms may be similar, the result is not the same. Love provides security, peace, steadiness and longevity, while lust is simply just the first step to the intense feeling of deep affection.

Like love, lust is a strong emotion or feeling. But, the emotion is usually coupled with sexual desire or cravings. Lust is often referred to as the spark that ignites the flame of love. Although it can stand alone, the spark will not burn forever. Lust is short-term, only lasting long enough to fulfill the desire. So, have you been in love or lust?

Of course, love can fade. But, it has the capability to extend throughout a lifetime, as it is unconditional. Love is not controlling but compromising. Lust fulfills the temporary desire of self-pleasure. Although it has the possibility to develop into love, the feeling does not always last.

Often times we find ourselves in relationships, where our significant other gives us stipulations. Don’t talk to that person, you can’t go there or the infamous, why aren’t you answering your phone? But, that is not love. Love provides contentment, security, stability and peace. Love should allow you to be secure enough in your relationship to love without conditions, so ask yourself again, is it love or is it lust? Sometimes it can be hard to spot the difference between love and lust, other times it be as subtle as a spit or a swallow.

Lust always has the potential to turn into love, but sometimes it can take you down the path of heartbreak. So, be careful and understand the difference. Protect your heart and love yourself first.