As I travel through India, I encounter various sights and experiences. Growing up and visiting each year, it has never felt like travel but always like a second home, a feeling I have often taken for granted. This realization relates to me as when we mature, we often take our parents for granted. It got me thinking about what compromise truly means because, when we love someone or something, we often feel we must compromise—whether it’s our sleep schedule, preferences, or giving up something for someone.
It wasn’t until the past few days that I finally understood that in true love, one does not compromise but simply loves. The thing is, if you truly love someone, you would be willing to do anything for them. However, with that comes the risk of not having your love reciprocated. It’s about unconditional love, where you don’t expect anything in return.
Often in some of my very close relationships, I feel I do so much, always trying to make the other person happy, yet sometimes it feels like my efforts aren’t reciprocated. But then I realize, if I am doing something out of love or because I want to ensure the other person is comfortable, there is no room for feeling unappreciated. Over time, I began to understand how my parents must feel; no amount of thank yous I tell them can make up for all they have done for me. It’s crazy because when I do something for my parents, it feels like a grand gesture, while they do so much every day without expecting anything in return.
This weekend, we had an unplanned trip to Jodhpur, and as we needed some help to get around the city, my mom called up Manoharji, a driver we had met eight years ago on our last visit. Although he no longer lives in Jodhpur nor drives professionally, he came from 120 kilometers away, where he now lives, not just to meet us but to take us around town and ensure our visit went well. I was at a loss for words. No logical part of my mind could understand why someone with whom we have no ongoing relationship, and who has no monetary or personal gain, would go out of his way like that. This is surely true love.
That’s when I realized that in relationships, compromise is just a notion that shouldn’t exist because you are not doing it out of obligation but out of love. The moment compromise comes into the conversation, it moves away from love and into the realm of right and wrong. Love is pure, while compromise suggests, “I did something for you; therefore, you should do something for me next time.”
This journey has taught me that love is not just a feeling but a way of being. It is reflected in our actions, words, and intentions. It is about being present and fully engaged with the people and passions that matter to us. Love is not something to be measured or quantified; it is something to be lived and experienced.
Superb expression right Dil Se. So true, “unconditionally” is the absolute word fr this zenith feeling
Good keep it up
Blessings
Raj
Great articulation as always Anuj. Maintaining unconditional relationship while difficult, it is the most fulfilling. Manoharji came to see you all 120 KM because he cares about relationship. unfortunately, we get so wrapped in day to day hustle and bustle that we inherently become very selfish and only thing about ourselves. I also couldn’t agree more with you that we often taken some relationships for granted. Thanks for sharing your profound thoughts.
Anuj,
You defined “love” so well. We think because we love someone, we are willing to sacrifice and compromise. But you are so right, “in true love, one only loves”. There is no compromise or expectation. Expectations are by far the root and cause of misery. Very hard to practice, but that is definitely the ultimate goal- to love everyone equally and unconditionally without expectations.
Dear Anuj,
Brilliantly articulated.Ur articles are always insightful and from the heart. Love understanding it❤️where there is gratitude towards life & good people around u, ur heart will love unconditionally. Ego & arrogance are in mind. So always follow ur heart ❤️🤗
Dear Anuj,
I read your articles. Very nice that you understand great emotion in this age, when you do some things for someone unconditionally, without any expatiation. Then nature gives it reward in any way. But first thing to learn is you always respect and love everyone. Unconditionally just like your father and mother. They care about everybody as they are your family member, first you love them with their whole personality. God bless you. You are my very loving grandson .
LOVE IS LOVE. GREAT
Beautifully penned down the feelings into words!!!!
When you don’t fall in Love, but rise in Love; That is called unconditional Love.
Very well written dear Shri Anuj. Keep it up dear