"Love is what is left over when everything good is gone."

Becoming "Real", as the Skin Horse from the Velveteen Rabbit put it, hurts. That's because it is an effort. When we first fall in love with someone, we fall in love with the potential for more. As we experience our new partner's beauty, we also experience their shortcomings and pains. If we would rather not be present with them when they are suffering, or if we do not want to allow their sufferings to influence our lives, we do not love them. Love is the feeling of being present with uncertainty, pain, and fear without judgement. It isn't easy to do, and it isn't common. But we've all experienced that person who stays with us through our struggles, no matter what time of day or what the situation. They love us. And having someone like that in our lives makes our lives a whole lot more beautiful. We can - and must, if anything is going to change - do that for others. So, as Augustine said, "Love, and do what you will."

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