The Fragile Meaning of Love in Today's World...

Dear Readers,

Falling in love can feel magical for some and terrifying for others. It’s supposed to be a bond built on trust, respect, and mutual care. But in today’s world, where words often feel hollow, the phrase “I love you” can seem like it has lost its meaning. People say it out of convenience rather than conviction, leaving many wondering if love itself has become a scam. If I told you that love doesn’t exist anymore, would you agree? Has the essence of Romeo and Juliet disappeared, swept away like leaves in the wind? It’s frightening to think about falling in love because, for many, love doesn’t feel like anything anymore.

Is it because I’m ugly? Is it because I’m disfigured? I remember an old colleague making fun of my scars, and their words stuck with me. Or is it because I’m not good enough? Am I unworthy of love because I’m poor?

There’s a memory that still haunts me. A parent once told her children not to talk to poor people. One day, one of those children came up to me and asked, “Are you a poor person?” Their innocent question cut deeper than any insult ever could. It made me feel like an outsider in a world where the rich seem to thrive and the rest are left behind.

The truth is, the rich often do prosper, but not in the ways that truly matter. Money might buy material comforts, but it can’t buy integrity, compassion, or the kind of love that sees beyond the surface. The scars on my body tell my story; they don’t define my worth. Yet, society’s obsession with perfection and wealth often makes those of us who are different feel invisible.

Love real love does exist. It’s not a scam, even if it’s harder to find in a world that values convenience over commitment. True love reveals itself in small, genuine actions: in someone who listens without judgment, in someone who respects not just the surface but the depth of your experiences. Love isn’t about grand gestures or perfect appearances; it’s about showing up for someone, flaws and all.

When we think of love stories like Romeo and Juliet, it’s easy to romanticize the passion and tragedy. But their story, as beautiful as it was, didn’t reflect the everyday struggles of love. Real love grows in quiet moments, in shared hardships, and in unwavering kindness. It’s not always dramatic or poetic, but it’s there, waiting for those who believe in its quiet power.

Sometimes, though, it’s hard to believe. When you’ve been hurt, abandoned, or let down, it’s natural to feel disconnected from love. When one is heartbroken, it becomes incredibly difficult to accept someone else’s love. The fear of being hurt again creates walls that are hard to break down. But that disconnection isn’t because you’re unworthy. It’s a reflection of the pain you’ve endured and the cruelty you’ve faced from people who didn’t value you as they should have.

To those who make fun of scars, to those who judge others for their poverty, and to those who measure worth by wealth, I say this: you’re missing the essence of humanity. True prosperity lies not in riches but in character, resilience, and the ability to love and be loved genuinely.

I clearly remember the day before my mother passed away, I had gone to a surgeon to get rid of my scars, and he too said there’s nothing wrong with you Jacob. My mother said “Jacob think before you do anything.” and the next day she passed away after giving me this advice.

Love isn’t gone. It’s just hidden behind the noise of a world obsessed with appearances and status. It exists in the hearts of those who have been hurt but still choose to believe, in the souls of those who carry their scars with pride, and in the quiet strength of those who refuse to give up on themselves or others.

If you’re reading this and wondering whether love is worth it, let me tell you: it is. It’s worth the risk, the vulnerability, and even the pain. Because when love is real, it transforms not just how you see the world but how you see yourself.

Your scars, your story, your worth they’re all pieces of a mosaic that make you unique. And someone, somewhere, will see the beauty in that. Don’t let the ignorance of others define your belief in love. It’s still out there, waiting for those brave enough to seek it.

Jacob M