The title of this thread immediately drew a negative 'reaction' from me.
The idea that Love could or would be used as a tool to "disempower" people. It just sounds counter-intuitive.
After reading the thread a few times, I realized that, in effect, the statement is true to some degree...even by my own experience.
I was not taught to 'love'...I didn't learn how to love from any guru or priest. My method of loving is inherent or seemingly instinctual. Though, as pointed out in this thread, my method of loving was flawed, without my knowledge.
I've been married twice, neither marriage worked out, due to the flaws in my "loving nature". I'd been the sort who (unknowingly) put all of my own wants and needs "on the back burner"...so to speak (and quote). I held most high those wishes of my loved ones, while ignoring my own wants and needs...and, as predicted, I ended up in conflict with myself.
I've been in "loving" relationships for most of my life, and due to my methods, never learned anything about who I am. I literally lived for my mate, and became what she wanted, forsaking my own self.
I'm single now, and have been for about 4 years...for the first time since I was 17...I'm 43 now. I have no desire to start a new relationship with anyone else, instead, I've begun to Love myself. I can't even begin to describe the positive changes I've undergone. To finally know who I am, after so many years, is my idea of complete bliss.
