Elsewhere on this hub, a writer described love as an oxymoron. The definition of oxymoron in its broadest sense is a word that contradicts itself. In order for one to fully answer the question of love at first sight, one has to define love. What is love? Dictionaries give many definitions including, tender affection, to like something very much, to show kindness, and my favorite, to have sex with somebody.  Yes, who knew that having sex with somebody could be love?  

Of course, there are other definitions for love, but to be able to say one is in love, one has to look at the characteristics of love. I have read many books on love, and the one I find gives the best definition of the characteristics of love is the Bible. In 1 Cor. 13 we learn that love is kind, love protects, love trusts, it perseveres, it is not rude, and keeps no records of wrongs. We also learn that God is love, and God said we are to love everyone. Obviously, if we are to love everyone, we must love the person we meet for an instant, and the person we will never see again. That means love can be immediately achieved at first sight.  

So, can you love at first sight? The obvious answer is yes. The problem is that we confuse being in love with unconditional love, which are like night and day. Unconditional love comes with no strings. We apply it to the homeless, the poor, and the dying man on the street corner, like the Good Samaritan. Being in love involves passion and desire and even sex. It develops over time, becomes deeper and more meaningful, and hurts like hell when it’s unrequited.  

I can also speak from personal experience that you can love at first sight. I was 24 years when he walked through my office door. I felt the butterflies in my stomach, and had to summon all my will power to not act like a lovesick schoolgirl. I have loved him ever since, and have since been in love with him. I have found that love at first sight lasts longer than whatever emotion is developed over time when you get to know people’s habits, hobbies, likes and dislikes. Love at first sight is real. But, unless you’ve experienced it, you will never understand it.