February 14: Flash Fiction Challenge – Love
February 14, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about valentines. It can be Valentine’s Day, the exchange, love for another, romance, or friendship. Have a heart and go where the prompt leads!
The English word love covers a wide spectrum of emotions from liking to loving with mind and heart. The Greek word ‘agape’ has a general meaning of love not based on merit of the person loved, but rather unconditional. It continues to give even when the other is unkind, unresponsive and unworthy. It only desires good things for the other and is compassionate. The Greek word ‘phileo’ is the love with affection, companionship in deep and intimate relationship found in friendship or family.
In this lonely planet, we are losing the agape and phileo love. Many people say, “I love you.” But they mean “I want to own you and control you,” or “I give you when you give me with the same amount,” or “I give you some if you give me more,” or even mean “I give you a little to get you hooked on to give me all.”
I think it takes agape and phileo love to keep a healthy, committed and intimate relationship with friends, family and spouse.
Love Through Tough Times
“I love you, honey.”
“Oh yah? Thank you for yelling at me just now.”
“Well, I told you I wanted to get that big screen TV, but you ignored me.”
“You’re not working. My income is not enough to put food on the table.”
“I mow the lawn. You like to work anyway.”
“Do I have a choice? Why don’t you find a job?”
“I tried. In between looking, I’m bored.”
“You spend more time being bored than looking.”
“I’m not as lucky as you.”
“Luck has nothing to do with it. I could help you do job searching.”
The Showers of Blessings 
I learned a new meaning for the word ‘agape’, Miriam. It’s far from what I would have thought. Your introduction worked perfectly with your story conversation which didn’t portray enough of the love you described. A great response.
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Thank you for reading, Norah. I think with the technology, social media, people are passively pushed into independence, self-centered, less chance to learn to interact and love and give, far from the way we should love.
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So it’s great that you constantly remind us how it/we should be. 🙂
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I’m glad to share my observation, Norah. 🙂
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The take on luck also rings true. To be lucky requires some input and effort from the “lucky” individual.
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Thank you, D. I don’t rely on luck though. I just read the cover of a magazine and a little description about it’s hard to be an American Boy. My nephew took years to find a teaching job even after he got a master’s degree. He then took a job from another state, that means leaving the family.
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Awww! This is so sad, Miriam.
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Yes, I know, Robbie. It happens more often than we’re aware of. People don’t talk about it.
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The thread of though running through your dialog is irrepressible and so real.
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Thank you, Michael. Our economy may not be kind to some
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So love your description of unconditional love. That is the essence of truth!! Bless you, and your blog Miriam. Hugs to you.
🙂 🙂 🙂
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Thank you for reading, much appreciated, Debbie!! Love to you. Miriam 🙂 🙂
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Hi M – the dialogue sounds like this couple has a lot to work out.
And you are right about the types of love.
Have you ever heard of sternnerg’s triangular theory of love?
“Consummate love takes passion, intimacy, and commitment”
—
Oh And nice writing
😉
Peace
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Thank you, Y! No, I haven’t heard of Sternnerg. It sounds interesting though. Thank you for reading… 🙂 🙂
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Well it was “sternberg” and sorry if I spelled it wrong.
And I will be back to catch up soon! I need to order your book still – even tho I had a sneak peak I want to support my special friend – xxoo
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Thank you for the spelling. No worries, my friend! 🙂 xox
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