Can love be measured?

Can love be measured? Yes, I believe that love can indeed be measured, not officially of course, not in litres or kilometres or any standard measurement.

The measurement of love is not an official science but the simple fact is that everyone knows in their heart when they are truly loved and when they love someone else. The measurement of love is in a hug, a look, a kiss. There is the simple everyday love of preparing dinner for a loved one. The love is in the gentle stirring, mixing, grating and cooking of the food for the other's enjoyment.

Then there are the completely immeasurable acts of love such as giving your life for another. There are many different types of love-the love between friends and family, the love between lovers, self love, the love that people have for their pets etc. Love is intangible. The wonderful thing about love is that even though we can't officially measure it, we know and feel when we are loved.

When we love someone we treat them with respect and kindness. We truly want what is best for them. We try to help and encourage them in their hopes and dreams. We advise the person we love when they need advice and ask for it. We provide a shoulder to cry on when our loved-one is down and a non-judgemental ear when they need to unburden themselves. All of these acts of kindness are measurements of love.

Some people believe that love is intangible, that we cannot see or touch love. Others would say that you can see a mother's love in her eyes when she looks into her child's face. Love is manifest in a hug or a tender kiss. Love is helping others unconditionally. Love is a random act of kindness.I believe that the world is full of love. The more we allow ourselves to believe in love, the more love we will send out into the universe and the more love we will receive.

Probably, the most important love of all is self love. We must truly love, accept and appreciate ourselves before we can treat others with love. How can we give love to others if we don't sincerely and completely love ourselves? Obviously, nobody is perfect. We are all flawed, but it is the ability to see our flaws and accept them that allows us to love ourselves and others. Even the Bible says " love your neighbour, as yourself." Many people forget the "as yourself" part.

This is an excerpt from "My Love," by Joanne Clancy. If you would like to read more then click here to buy at Amazon.