Love and Being Loved

Once upon a time, there was a boy who had a girlfriend. Their love seemed ordinary, unremarkable at first glance. She didn't possess the charm of those girls who effortlessly adorned themselves, played the piano with grace, or cooked with culinary mastery. But there was something about her, an innate warmth and tenderness that touched the depths of his heart.

Her love manifested itself in the simplest of gestures. Each evening, she would go out of her way to bring him a carefully prepared dinner, claiming it was conveniently on her route. The boy, though appreciative, failed to grasp the depth of her commitment and the love that lay behind those humble meals.

In the aftermath of their arguments, she would always swallow her pride and seek his forgiveness, showering him with tender affection to mend their wounded hearts and be the first to playfully pout and seek forgiveness for her own stubbornness. It was her way of saying, "Our love is more important than our disagreements."

And every night, without fail, she would call him to bid him goodnight, her voice filled with a longing for companionship and an unspoken need for his presence.

Whenever he ventured out with friends, she would stand at the doorstep, waving goodbye with a radiant smile. It was her way of showing support and reminding him that she was there, even in his moments of joy away from her. She was sensible and understanding, always considering his feelings, but the boy failed to appreciate her fully. He merely saw her as a girlfriend, someone to ward off the loneliness.

As time wore on, his impatience grew, and he found himself becoming increasingly frustrated with their routine.

He began to find fault in her efforts, even criticizing the taste of the meals she lovingly prepared. Their arguments escalated, and her attempts at reconciliation were met with harsh words, each exchange leaving her wounded. He became indifferent, waiting for her to make the first move, ignoring her calls when he was with his friends. He even raised his voice, belittling her in front of others, arriving late for their dates, or even failing to find her when they were meant to meet.

But astonishingly, his girlfriend never grew angry. Instead, she would lower her head in sorrow, but the very next day, she would return with a worldly smile and a warm heart. She concealed her tears, shielding him from her pain. It appears her strength knew no bounds, and yet he could not see her worth as a woman. She wore her burden with grace, masking her own yearnings beneath a gentle smile.

Then, one fateful day, it was his girlfriend's birthday, but the boy forgot. Strangely, the next evening, the girlfriend made no phone call as she usually did. Normally, she would have arrived, slightly dishevelled, with dinner in hand, apologizing for her tardiness due to her exhausting workday, all while wearing those tattered jeans that mirrored her struggle.

As he stepped out of the living room, he noticed an envelope wedged under the door crack, addressed to him. It was unmistakably his girlfriend's handwriting. With trembling hands, he opened it, revealing a heartfelt letter:

"My dear, do you know what it truly means to be 'loved'?

To be loved is having someone waiting for you every evening with a lovingly prepared meal after a long day of work.

To be loved is knowing that the responsibility for every argument lies on the other person's shoulders.

To be loved is receiving a caring phone call every single day, without fail.

To be loved is enjoying outings with friends without any concerns or burdens.

To be loved is having someone embrace you with a forgiving smile, rather than scolding you when you make mistakes.

But, my dear, do you know what it truly means to 'love' someone?

To love someone is rushing home after work, even after a tiring day, to prepare a meal, even concealing the knowledge of a car accident, all for the sake of shielding your loved one from unnecessary concern and anxiety.

To love someone is apologizing, even when you know they're being unreasonable, taking on the blame, and bearing the pain silently.

To love someone is making that phone call, even when they answer with impatience or disregard, unable to resist the urge to reach out.

To love someone is worrying about them when they're out with friends, smiling brightly in front of everyone, just to save face for the one you love.

To love someone is shedding tears silently, even when you know they don't truly love you, but you choose to love them unconditionally, without revealing your sorrow.

I have given my utmost effort to 'love,' but now I am weary. I need to find someone who will 'love' me in return.

So, farewell. I hope you find someone whom you can 'love' with all your heart. "

Reading this letter, the boy finally realizes...

He finally comprehends the profound happiness of being 'loved' and the immense struggles of 'loving' someone. At that moment, he notices his hunger, realizing there is no dinner prepared in the room.

At that moment, he realizes that during every argument, his girlfriend was always in the right, but she never fought back fiercely.

At that moment, he realizes why he felt restless before falling asleep last night—it was because his girlfriend didn't bid him goodnight.

At that moment, he realizes why his friends adored his girlfriend—she genuinely cared for him, including the feelings of his companions.

At that moment, he finally grasps the meticulousness of his girlfriend's care, so meticulous that he never even noticed it and, instead, grew impatient.

To those who are 'loved,' please cherish it. Not every person who 'loves' you will selflessly give without any regrets.

Do not assume that a phone call, a smile, or a meal are things to be taken for granted.

Because those who 'love' has poured their heart and soul into these acts, and those who are 'loved' will never truly comprehend the extent of their sacrifices.

At the end, to be loved, he learned, was a privilege that required cherishing. The sacrifices made by those who love us often go unnoticed, their silent endeavours veiled beneath the weight of our indifference. They pour their souls into nurturing our happiness, but we become blind to their devotion.

Let us not forget the untold stories of those who " love." Let us acknowledge the profound sacrifices that are woven into every act of tenderness, understanding, and selflessness. For every phone call, every smile, and every meal prepared with love, they invest immeasurable effort, unbeknownst to those who are " loved."

As we navigate the labyrinth of love, may this tale serve as a poignant reminder. Treasure the ones who choose to love you, for their love is a gift beyond measure. Let gratitude fill our hearts, and may empathy guide our actions. May we recognize the silent heroes who walk beside us, nurturing our souls with unwavering devotion. And may love, in all its complexities, illuminate our paths and inspire us to become better guardians of each other's hearts.