Love—just a four-letter word, yet so powerful that it shapes our lives in countless ways. We often associate it with romantic relationships, imagining scenes of grand gestures, intimate connections, and emotional bonds between a man and a woman. But love isn’t confined to just romance. It’s much more expansive, much deeper. It lives in our everyday moments, in silent support, in warm hugs, in honest conversations, and even in the way we treat ourselves.
So, is love underrated or overrated? That depends on how we define and experience it.
While the world often celebrates romantic love, we forget the beauty of other equally meaningful forms—like the unconditional love we share with our parents, the protective bond with our siblings and children, the comfort of a friend who just gets us. These relationships thrive on care, respect, loyalty, and mutual understanding. True love is not just about physical closeness—it’s about emotional safety and genuine respect. And in any form of love, respect isn’t optional—it’s essential. The two go hand in hand.
But among all the forms of love, one that is most often overlooked and even misunderstood is self-love.
We’re taught to give, to care for others, to always put others first. And while kindness is noble, many of us grow up believing that loving ourselves is selfish or arrogant. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Self-love is not vanity; it’s sanity. It’s about acknowledging your worth, setting healthy boundaries, and taking care of your emotional and mental well-being.
Just like they say—you can’t pour from an empty cup. You can’t offer love, support, or care to others if your own well is running dry. The ability to love others begins with learning to love yourself. It’s not about being self-centered; it’s about being self-aware.
Love is not a one-size-fits-all emotion. It takes many forms, wears many faces, and touches every part of our lives. Whether it’s the quiet love of a parent, the joyful bond between friends, or the deep connection with a partner—each is valid, beautiful, and necessary. But don’t forget to love the one person who’s been with you through it all—you. Embrace self-love, not as a luxury, but as a foundation. Because only when you love yourself fully can you truly share love with the world around you.