Getting Personal

                Love Is…?
            
                Love is one of those human conditions that have preoccupied humankind for centuries. In spite of our many other foibles, and the thousand and one other pursuits that occupy our time and thoughts, notions of love are things that both men and women spend a considerable amount of time pondering, obsessing over and dwelling upon; it seems to be very much the way we are.

But when we consider the word love, what do we mean? And does the love that we have for a partner bear any similarity to the love we have for our family, children, pets or friends? Or is each and every instance of love a unique and indefinable thing in its own right?

In its most basic and generic form, love can be described as an indefinable number of different experiences and emotions that relate to a strong sense of affection towards another person; self-love also exists, but that's an entirely different matter. And interestingly, concepts of love can often differ - within varying degrees - between countries and cultures.

In Japanese, the language uses distinct words to represent love, ai and amae; the former signifies a sense of desire that is found in passionate and caring love, while the latter can be viewed as the love a mother would have for her child. When translated, the word means something similar to "indulgent dependence".

However, if we consider Ancient Greek, notions of love get broken down even further. In addition to love as we consider it today - in it's most ideal form - Ancient Greek also had distinct words to represent love of a more physical and sensual kind, filial love - in the sense of friendship, or loyalty to family members - and even a type of love described as existing between a host and their guest.

Different notions of love exist between the different religious traditions. For example, under Buddhism the type of love known as Kama is considered as something that should ideally not be pursued, given that kama is a sensual or sexual type of love than is selfish in nature, and therefore a feeling that can hinder enlightenment. However, Christian doctrine considers notions of love in an altogether different light; according to the Christian tradition, love is something that comes from God himself, and there are many terms used by Christian groups that directly come from Ancient Greek. In Judaism, definitions of love are very broad.

However, in spite of these different notions of love that span different cultures and religions, Valentines Day is an increasingly popular 'holiday'; after all, we all like to receive cards and Valentines Day Gifts to let us know that someone somewhere has a special place for us in their heart.

So, if you're looking to win the heart of the object of your affections, it's reasonably safe to say that Valentines Day Gifts and a card might well pique their interest; although how you sustain it after they discover your identity is another matter. If you're considering Valentines Day Gifts that favour the not-so-subtle approach, why not opt for the Silver Love Heart Sweet; much like the sweets they are designed to represent, Silver Love Heart Sweets get the message across in a clear and no-nonsense manner.

Alternatively, if you're already in a relationship and want to give Valentines Day Gifts that can really get pulse levels racing, why not treat your partner - and yourself - to a tub of Chocolate Flavoured Body Paint? With a brush included within the set, Chocolate Flavoured Body Paint is one of those Valentines Day Gifts that really allow you and your partner to express yourselves. It can even double up as a topping for use on toast for the ideal Valentines Day breakfast gift.

Whichever Valentines Day Gifts you eventually choose though, remember to think long and hard about the type of love you're feeling, and what sentiment you're looking to express. It could be a thoroughly enlightening experience.

Related article: Men are from Mars and Women from Venus Be on the same planet this Valentines Day (Valentine's Day Gifts)