Discussion Does unconditional love exist?

[Dejected 55]

It's tricky because it is hard to find clear examples in real life, especially since most people do seem to always have an ulterior motive.

I'll add another caveat too. I have unconditionally loved someone and received nothing in return. I obviously wanted to be loved too. But that wasn't a condition of my love for her. I loved her anyway, and still love her even though I know I will never be loved or even talk to or see her ever again. In this case I am the closest example I can give to unconditional love because I continue to love knowing full well I will never get anything in return. I love because I do and because it is real... not because I expect something in return and my love has not stopped even after accepting that it will only ever be a one-way love.

 

[wormbrained]

no, nor it should. i don't think you deserve unconditional love if you're a violent rapist for example.

 

[Dejected 55]

no, nor it should. i don't think you deserve unconditional love if you're a violent rapist for example.

I don't understand how those two statements work together.

It feels the same as saying I don't think ice cream should exist because you don't deserve ice cream if you are a murderer.

Why not have ice cream but the murderers don't get any?

Why not unconditional love, but not for people who rape others?

 

[Emillss]

Unconditional love isn't real. You can't love someone who doesn't love you back. Anyone who says otherwise is just lying.

 

[Dejected 55]

Unconditional love isn't real. You can't love someone who doesn't love you back. Anyone who says otherwise is just lying.

You don't love a friend, parent, or pet who is no longer alive?

Loving someone and being loved are two very different things. Even with conditions, you can love someone who doesn't love you in return.

 

[Eternal Disaster]

no, nor it should. i don't think you deserve unconditional love if you're a violent rapist for example.

I understand this.
I think I should have elaborated my story in the OP.

For example:
My dad showed that he loved me when I achieved something or got successful in each and every aspect of life but after my mental health deteriorated he didn't even give a damn to me. Everything faded away. Man I am the same human. I fucking want him to understand me, talk to me but nothing like that happens now. Let alone love he treats me like trash just because I am a failure now. Even though I tried my best but I couldn't. He is my dad how can he do this to me.

 

[Emillss]

You don't love a friend, parent, or pet who is no longer alive?

Loving someone and being loved are two very different things. Even with conditions, you can love someone who doesn't love you in return.

That's more like attachment. What most people call love is expecting something back - like care, respect, or love in return

 

[Dejected 55]

That's more like attachment. What most people call love is expecting something back - like care, respect, or love in return

Most people use lots of words incorrectly... There's no way to fully allow for that in conversation though. You kind of have to assume somewhat that people are working with the same definitions or your conversation ends up meaningless.

I agree that most people say they "love" when they do not really. Same for how most people call someone a "friend" when they are really just an acquaintance who isn't actively out to get them. A true friend is more than just someone generally nice to you and not out to harm you purposefully. Same for love. A lot of people say "I love you" in the same way people will ask "how are you" when they really do NOT at all want you to answer that question honestly.

But assuming words have meanings when used correctly. I firmly hold that unconditional love can and does exist. However rare it might be... I believe it exists.