- Embracing Valentine's Day: Unconventional Loving Phrases that Set You Apart from "I Love You"
"Love may seem like a cliché, simplifying our lives," mused the late Roger Willemsen in 2016. He was suggesting that when our hearts cousin to another, our eloquence fades, and we're consumed by longing, pining, and scribbling hearts on our internal notepads rather than coherent expressions of affection.
Willemsen referenced DJ Ötzi's "Ein Stern, der deinen Namen trägt" as evidence. The song, undoubtedly birthed from a genuine emotions, sparked Willemsen's intrigue. He speculated that on one fateful morning, the singer had woken to find a blonde-haired beauty half-covered by pillows and was so captivated by the moment's beauty that he created a cosmic ode to express his feelings[1]. Willemsen, ever the dry commentator, added, "Classic, aside from the sound."
Love, Lost and Found
Valentine's Day is ripe for romanticization, but as Willemsen hinted, not everyone's heart is a bag of joyous feelings on this day of celebration. In fact, it may be a cathartic respite for those who are lovelorn or in the throes of heartbreak. If you find yourself without eloquence on this romantic holiday, here's a roundup of timeless love quotes and declarations from music, film, and literature to borrow, lend comfort, and perhaps even motivate you to rise above.
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return"
While many associate the line, "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return," with Baz Luhrmann's film "Moulin Rouge," the truth lies in an homoerotic song written by Nat King Cole in 1948, titled "Nature Boy."[2][5] These words capture both the beauty and the simplicity of finding affection that echoes your own grips.
"I love you more than money, I love you more than my car"
Funny van Dannen, the quirky singer-songwriter, shares advice for life that boils down to a sense of humor and a healthier perspective on love. To Funny van Dannen, "Money, Money" holds no claim on love compared to a cherished companion.[3]
"I don’t love you anymore at all"
Udo Lindenberg's song, "I don’t love you anymore at all," offers a humorous spin on a heartbreak anthem. Lindenberg reveals a playful, self-awareness that reinforces the unpredictable nature of love and the complexities of overcoming heartache.[4]
"Unrequited, foolish, ‘shouldn’t one actually stop feeling it long ago’-love, oh, it’s so common. And it always, always hurts like hell"
The pain of unrequited love is one shared by many hearts. But in the end, it's an opportunity to learn, heal, and embrace a new perspective. In facing the pain, one can grow, often making love stronger when it eventually arrives_.[6]_
"There isn't a world, there's only you and me"
Paul McCartney's song, "Something," expresses the simplicity and power of love in its purest form. As with many loves songs, the line, "There isn't a world, there's only you and me," plays with the idea that love can create its own universe.[7]
"I may not always love you but as long as there are stars above you"
Like a beacon of hope, love reminds us that amidst the chaos and uncertainty, one can find solace in the stars above, knowing that love will remain a constant in life.[8]
"I fear nothing – nothing – but the limits of your love"
The fear of unrequited or lost love can often hold hearts captive. But it's a fear created by our own insecurities and doubts – insecurities that we can face head-on and overcome if we truly believe in the power of love.[9]
"A heart broken is a heart whole"
The break that precedes healing can lead to a newfound appreciation for love and the people who hold our hearts.[10]
"The best thing to happen was you"
Love can inspire us to evolve as individuals, find our footing, and make us better as human beings.[11]
"I want you!"
At its core, love often comes down to a primal desire to connect with another being on a deep, emotional level.[12]
"The only love that interests me is the love that makes me uninterested"
Perhaps one of the most counterintuitive and paradoxical of love quotes, this declaration suggests that the love that truly captivates us is always beyond our comprehension.[13]
Finding Balance in Love
While these quotes and lyrics may be poetic and emotive, they're also powerful reminders that love is a lifelong journey, fueled by our hopes, dreams, and fears. It's love that creates our self-awareness, pushing us to grow, mature, and learn to heal.[14]
In the spirit of balancing the complexities of love, one might find solace in the words of Sia, whose verses in her song " Musik" echo the sentiment that even when faced with heartache, we can persevere and become "♪ a star ♪".[15]
Moreover, Valentine's Day can serve as a reminder to acknowledge the subculture of love that thrives beyond the mainstream, with different people expressing their feelings in unique and authentic ways. As Willemsen hinted, not everyone's love story fits neatly into a box, and it's important to celebrate those who are "bothered" by conventional affection and remain resilient in their pursuit of love.[16]
Lastly, the process of love can sometimes feel like a never-ending journey, filled with ups and downs. Willemsen, despite his dry commentary, perfectly encapsulated the sentiment that love is a complex emotion, one that can inspire both beauty and frustration, creating moments that, in turn, spark our own "cosmic odes".[17]
