The highest form of love is consideration
The highest form of love is consideration.
When someone thinks about how things would make you feel, pays attention to detail. Holds you in regard when making decisions that could affect you. In any bond, how much they care about you can be found in how much they consider you.
Intensely selfish people are always very decided as to what they wish.
They do not waste their energies in considering the good of others.
—Ouida
When we are young we equate love with passion. When we are older we equate love with comfort. But I truly think that the deepest form of love is consideration.
Little things like someone caring enough to know how you like your coffee. Or remembers that you really like one kind of t-shirt over another. Someone who brings you your pumpkin spice cream chai latte exactly as you like it (one Splenda). When you’re having a tough day.
It’s in those little things that you can truly feel the love they have for you. Because their actions are just for you. You are their highest and most important priority. And you know that because they have not only spent money and effort on your behalf. But because they have spent a commodity that is even more precious, their time.
Consideration is love in action. So many people get drawn in by flowery words, or a smooth delivery. And while there’s great value in words beware of the power that you give them. Remember that words are easy, action is difficult.
I wish that we had been given classes in high school as to what to look for in relationships. And not just romantic ones, friendships as well. It takes skill and effort to maintain a true friendship. How to spot those who are using you. How to defend against those who are not genuine. These are the lessons that would make an impact in the quality of your life. Well, that and how to make and stick to a budget.
I have been blessed by some truly great friends. We don’t see each other all the time. But the quality of the time we do spend is truly legendary. Their presence in my life is complex. They challenge me. They protect me. They listen to me. But regardless of the many ways we interact the one feeling that I feel through all of it is kindness. They can be fierce. They can speak strongly. Even though that I can feel their kindness and their absolute unwavering love.
I wish for all of you to know friends like this. They are the blessings in our lives. It is through them we feel the love of God.