Quote:
Originally Posted by ZHereford  To love unconditionally means to love and accept someone no matter what they are like or what they've done. It does not mean loving or accepting their actions or negative behaviors.
It means you will stand by, guide and help them in any way you can without condoning anything they've done. |
Very well said!
Sometimes unconditional love means tough love. You've heard my story - which is certainly one of unconditional love not only for my husband but for myself. I loved him enough to want him to be happy no matter what - even if it wasn't with me. I loved him enough to know that he had to make mistakes and fall in order to grow - and I let him make those mistakes. I also loved myself to know what I could and could not live with.
The day I asked him to leave, I said something like this:
I love you no matter what, and I want you to be happy. It is clear you are not happy here and I think it is time for you to change your physical environment so you can learn to find that happiness within yourself. As much as I love you, I love myself too. I have to honor myself, and at this point I have to move on so I can find happiness as well.
So no, loving unconditionally doesn't mean putting up with behavior that violates your values. Sometimes the best thing you can do to love someone unconditionally is to let them go. I've also done that with several friends over the years. It's tough to do but sometimes the best thing.
Great topic! Got my brain moving this morning.