Healthy Relationships: The A.R.T. of Love
THE A.R.T. OF LOVE A major theme during the month of February is love. In particular, Valentine’s Day promotes the overt expression of love and affection for our special someone. Beyond this celebratory day, it is more important to experience and display healthy love on a consistent and ongoing basis. Healthy love entails certain elements, among which are the following: Affection, Respect and Trust, thereby creating the acronym, A.R.T. These are essential features of love, without which, there is an unhealthy state and unhealthy relationship. Let’s examine the importance of each of these qualities to giving and receiving love in a healthy manner. Affection: Terms associated with the official definition of the word, “affection” consist of love, liking, fondness, attraction, tenderness and warmth. These definitions denote favorable emotions and positive feelings toward the person we love. When we possess such feelings toward another, ...