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Fragrance of your presence

What matters more, you to be here or you here with me?

By Neelima MandalPublished 10 months ago 3 min read
Fragrance of your presence
Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash

He was like a beautiful and captivating flower. One look at him made me want to pluck him. I wanted to adorn myself with him, to make myself more radiant. But he belonged to someone else's garden. Someone else was entitled to him. I could only stand afar, gazing at him, taking in his fragrance, being cautious not to be seen.

I had to be careful, for he was priceless. Anyone would suspect me of theft if they saw me admiring him so intently. If only he were mine, I wouldn't have hesitated to pluck him. For a fleeting moment, perhaps an hour, he would have been mine to cherish, to adorn my hair with, to lose myself in his fragrance. But alas, he wasn't mine.

Even if he were mine, his beauty would have been short-lived. After a week or two, he would have wilted, and his fragrance would have faded. The madness of wanting him would have subsided. If only he were mine, I would have cherished him for a while, and then he would have been forgotten. But what happens when the love is not just unrquited but also impossible? The beauty is not just fleeting, but also unattainable? That's when the longing to have him becomes a bittersweet reminder of what could never be mine, is what makes him unforgettable.

By Aaron Burden on Unsplash



Reflection
I often think about what could have been if circumstances were different. Although I couldn't make him mine, I don't regret the feelings I had for him. In fact, I cherish the memories of the time we spent together, and the dreams we shared.

Dreams of Together
We had envisioned a life filled with laughter, adventure, and love. We would have created happy moments, supported each other through thick and thin, and done everything in our power to make each other smile. Our bond would have been strong, and we would have faced life's challenges together, hand in hand.

Acceptance
While things didn't work out as I had hoped, I've come to accept the reality of our situation. I've learned to appreciate the time we had together and the memories we created. Though we may not be together, the love I felt for him will always be a part of me.

Closure
In the end, I've realized that sometimes, things don't work out, no matter how much we want them to. But that's okay. I've grown from the experience, and I've learned to value the love and connections I have in my life now.

Perhaps it's not about the completeness of the story, but rather the depth of the emotions that were shared, the beauty of the moments that were cherished, the laughter that echoed through our minds, the tears that were shed, and the impact it had on our hearts, shaping us into who we are today, and leaving an indelible mark on our souls.

Here are some famous theories and perspectives on incomplete love:These theories and perspectives offer insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of incomplete love.

1. Unrequited Love in Literature
- *Romeo and Juliet*: Shakespeare's tragic love story explores the intense passion and ultimate sacrifice that can come with unrequited love.
- *The Notebook*: Nicholas Sparks' novel portrays the enduring power of unrequited love and its potential for transformation.

2. Psychological Perspectives
- *Attachment Theory*: Developed by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, this theory explains how early attachment experiences can shape our expectations and behaviors in romantic relationships, including unrequited love.
- *The Triangular Theory of Love*: Robert Sternberg's theory proposes that love consists of three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. Unrequited love often involves an imbalance in these components.

3. Philosophical Perspectives
- *Platonic Love*: In Platonic philosophy, love is often seen as a transcendent and unrequited force that drives individuals to pursue higher truths and ideals.
- *Existentialist Perspectives*: Existentialist philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Martin Heidegger explore the complexities of human existence, including the experience of unrequited love and its implications for personal freedom and responsibility.

4. Cultural and Societal Perspectives
- *The Concept of "Yuan Fen"*: In Chinese culture, "yuan fen" refers to the predestined connection between two people. Unrequited love can be seen as a manifestation of this concept, where two individuals are destined to be together but circumstances prevent it.
- *The Idea of "Love as a Sacrifice"*: In some cultures, unrequited love is seen as a noble sacrifice, where one person prioritizes the other's happiness over their own desires.

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  1. Excellent storytelling

    Original narrative & well developed characters

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    The story invoked strong personal emotions

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