Humans logo

TRUE LOVE

PAINFUL IN THIS WORLD

By Gayatri NagpalPublished 9 months ago 4 min read
TRUE LOVE
Photo by Michael Fenton on Unsplash

True Love Never Comes: A Life Lesson for Growth and Self-Discovery

The idea of true love has been a central theme in stories, songs, and movies for centuries. It’s a concept that many people chase throughout their lives, hoping to find that one person who will complete them and provide a sense of perfect happiness. But as time goes on and experiences shape our understanding of love, one might come to realize that “true love” as an idealized notion may never come exactly as expected. Rather than an unattainable fairy tale, love is something that evolves, grows, and requires effort, understanding, and, most importantly, self-love.

The Myth of Perfection

A significant life lesson comes from realizing that true love is not about finding perfection in another person. In many stories, we are taught to look for a soulmate who will be everything we need: kind, patient, understanding, and, above all, perfect. This idea of perfection often creates unrealistic expectations, both for ourselves and for our partners. When we expect someone to be flawless, we set ourselves up for disappointment because no one can meet such impossible standards.

True love, in its most profound sense, isn’t about perfection; it’s about growth, patience, and mutual understanding. When we let go of the belief that we need to find a perfect match, we open ourselves to the possibility of real connections, even if they come with imperfections and challenges. Love is about learning to accept flaws, not just in others, but in ourselves as well.

Love Is Not Always a Fairytale

Another life lesson is realizing that love isn’t always going to be a constant source of joy and bliss. The fairytale narrative of “happily ever after” can be misleading, making people believe that love should always be easy. In reality, every relationship—whether romantic, familial, or friendship—requires work. Misunderstandings, disagreements, and emotional turbulence are part of the journey.

True love doesn’t mean a life without struggle. Instead, it’s about how two people face challenges together, how they support each other, and how they evolve as individuals and as a couple. Embracing this reality can transform how we approach relationships and help us appreciate love’s complexities rather than expecting it to always be effortless.

The Importance of Self-Love

Perhaps the most valuable lesson in the idea of true love is the recognition that we must first love ourselves before we can truly love another person. Too often, people seek love outside themselves as a way to fill an inner void or heal past wounds. While love from others is important, it cannot be the sole source of our self-worth or happiness.

True love, in many ways, begins with self-love. When we learn to embrace our own strengths and weaknesses, when we build our self-esteem and understand our own needs, we become healthier individuals in relationships. Loving ourselves allows us to bring our best selves to the table, offering love and understanding to others without expecting them to complete us. Only when we feel whole on our own can we truly connect with another person in a meaningful, fulfilling way.

Letting Go of Expectations

Expectations are often the root of disappointment when it comes to love. We may expect a partner to make us happy, solve our problems, or provide all the emotional support we need. However, true love is not about meeting every expectation we set; it’s about mutual respect, growth, and understanding. When we let go of rigid expectations, we create space for love to be more authentic and spontaneous.

In relationships, it’s crucial to let go of the belief that someone should behave or feel a certain way in order for love to be “true.” Instead, we should allow love to unfold naturally, without pressure or preconceptions. This allows both partners to discover each other on their own terms, without the burden of trying to live up to a preconceived notion of perfection.

True Love Is a Journey, Not a Destination

Finally, the lesson that “true love never comes” is a reminder that love is a journey, not a final destination. It’s about the experiences, the growth, the lessons learned along the way. Every relationship, even those that end, offers valuable insights into who we are and what we truly need. Rather than searching for an end point—where love is perfectly realized—we should focus on how we grow through the process of loving and being loved.

This perspective allows us to appreciate each step in the journey, recognizing that love is not a static destination but an evolving force that changes over time. It’s about being present, learning from our mistakes, and embracing love in all its forms, whether it’s with a partner, a family member, or ourselves.

Conclusion: Embracing the Reality of Love

In conclusion, the idea that “true love never comes” is not a negative or cynical statement, but rather a reminder that love is not something that can be perfectly defined or expected to unfold in a particular way. Instead, true love is an evolving process, one that requires self-awareness, patience, and effort. The key lesson here is to let go of unrealistic expectations, embrace imperfections, and understand that love is about growth—both individually and together. When we shift our perspective on love, we open ourselves to deeper connections, more meaningful relationships, and, most importantly, a more profound sense of self-love.

dating

About the Creator

Gayatri Nagpal

my thoughts

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.