No You Don't Love Me! Go Away!

1. 60

   DogSiDaedposted 13 years ago

   I am getting a little irate about religious people who tell me they 'love' me. No you don't. You don't know me. Don't be stupid.
   
   This does of course raise a BIG what is love question, feel free to comment on this as well if you'd like

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      zampanoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      A little contempt, may save a lot of hatred...

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         DogSiDaedposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         A little confusion, may continue to confuse...
         
         Please explain to my dense mind

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            zampanoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            As someone said before, confusion is a most natural state of mind.
            So, don't be alarmed.
            If you are able to choose among emotions to ware, choose contempt instead of anger.
            It's much more economic. Anger is bad for your health and makes you age quicker.
            That was the meaning of my post.
            Should I explain what contempt is ?

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      SirDentposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I agree that it is overused. I am not usre if I have told anyone on HubPages that I love them.

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      Mikel G Robertsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
      
      Love is any of a number of emotions related to a sense of strong affection[1] and attachment. The word love can refer to a variety of different feelings, states, and attitudes, ranging from generic pleasure ("I loved that meal") to intense interpersonal attraction ("I love my husband"). This diversity of uses and meanings, combined with the complexity of the feelings involved, makes love unusually difficult to consistently define, even compared to other emotional states.
      
      As an abstract concept, love usually refers to a deep, ineffable feeling of tenderly caring for another person. Even this limited conception of love, however, encompasses a wealth of different feelings, from the passionate desire and intimacy of romantic love to the nonsexual emotional closeness of familial and platonic love[2] to the profound oneness or devotion of religious love.[3] Love in its various forms acts as a major facilitator of interpersonal relationships and, owing to its central psychological importance, is one of the most common themes in the creative arts.

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         zampanoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         hehehe. Have you ever been to London ?
         You can look in all dictiopedias you like, there is people on this planet that use that word "love" as they breathe.
         
         At the hotel (not very expensive):
         Here's your room keys love !
         
         At the bar :
         What woul you like to drink, love ?
         
         At the restaurant
         Wanna try lamb chops, love ?
         
         hehehe
         It's fun.

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         Justine76posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         there should be more then one word in the english language to portray the various loves.

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            DogSiDaedposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            I agree! Also the different standards of hate too, it's always hard with that word, because some people use it lightly, and some use it as the worst loathing in the world ever...

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               frogdroppingposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Hate is a vile emotion. Negative, insidous, destructive. I've never hated anyone or anything. I've disliked things, people, events. But never hated.
               
               The opposite of love. There's always an opposite. Sheesh

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                  DogSiDaedposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  If everything has an opposite then the opposite of opposite is everything.
                  
                  That's pointless XD

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                     Justine76posted 13 years agoin reply to this

                     opposite of opposite is ...same. I think.
                     opposite of everything is nothing
                     its ok to go off topic on your own thread? right?

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                     Daniel Carterposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                     Actually, I don't think the opposite of love is hate. I think love's opposite is not caring a whit. Not caring is far worse than hate, which actually binds the two people together in a sort of painful dance. That's still connectedness. I think hate is the sickest form of love. I think not caring is far worse than hating.
                     Having been subjected to both hate and not caring, I find not caring far more painful when I have continued to care.
                     
                     Just my thoughts.

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                        DogSiDaedposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                        I think that's the best forum post I've seen, and it's brought me right round to your way of thinking... I'll leave it there, take heed hubbers!

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                        Justine76posted 13 years agoin reply to this

                        ouch.....indifference

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                  Mrvoodooposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  I guess it is something of an acquired taste.

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               Justine76posted 13 years agoin reply to this

               I never ever use hate lightly. I do use love in different ways, but also, never lightly. I try very hard to always say what I mean, and I do alwyas mean what I say, even if its misunderstood.  words (especially written words..as you do not have the luxoury of body language and prior knowledge of the person) are so capabable of help, and hurt, building and tearing down, I do try to use them carefully. I dislike it when people throw them around like broken toys.

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                  DogSiDaedposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  You see for me I use hate in two ways. For innanimate objects it is to be used more lightly, for example 'I hate that annoying show'. When related to people it is FAR stronger, and I have only used it once in that sense.

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                     Justine76posted 13 years agoin reply to this

                     OK, I am guilty of occasionaly syaing it about tv shows...your right, different connotaion. I shoudl say strongly dislike...I have used it for maybe 3 people, and then I took it back for two of them after some years.
                     Hey, about loathe?
                     thats good for tv, and stubbing your toe..

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                        DogSiDaedposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                        I always considered loathe much stronger for random things but weaker for people...
                        
                        It's tough to find the right words sometimes!

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                        kirstenblogposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                        I really really do hate stubbing my toe's. *tongue in cheek* If got loves me so much why are my toes to stub-able?

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      Cagsilposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Hey DogSiDaed,
      
      I saw this thread and was interested in what you meant by the topic and then read your post. I'm not of any religion or religious belief, so please accept my honest take about my own feelings and how they are about you?
      
      I know a little bit about you, from what I've read on your Hubs. I am aware I am a stranger to you and you have no reason to believe, what I say.
      
      I can honestly say that I love you. Yes, it is a fact.
      
      You are a human being, I give value to your life, as I do my own. This makes us always equals. I would hope you would be respectful and accept my feelings for humanity, which includes your life.
      
      If you've really understand my writing, then you know what I have said is honest and from my heart.
      
      I'm sorry that you are burdened by people who feel the need to express their love, even thought they don't really know you. They are generalizing their love, to be truthful. As a religious believer, they're suppose to love humanity, which at times is misinterpreted, however, still annoys others.
      
      I hope you can rid yourself of this negative energy and turn to a benefit for yourself. It's more important to accept the love offered, even to be courteous, at best. No need to create more tension, when enough tension is already in the air. Save your energy. I hope I helped.

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         Unchained Graceposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Sometimes, it's not the love that gets people fired up but the statement itself. Being told, "I love you" these days is as much an empty statement as, "How are you?" or "What's up?" In many cases, throwaway responses. When one has a history of being told, "I love you" from one who at the same time is lining you up for a knife in the back tends to make one bitter and more than wary when actually hearing the words.
         
         In the Book of James, much is said about the faith/works thing. Same applies. What would your response be if someone dispensed with the words and showed love? Showed it in a way that wasn't in your face or patently overbearing like a horny teenager? "I love you, baby. Wanna hit the back seat?" Yeah right. Self-serving drivel and if you're not careful it sets the stage for bigtime skepticism and disbelief later on. People have taken up permanent residency on a therapist's couch for less.

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      cosetteposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      i hate when they rake you and your non-beliefs over the coals but say they are doing it because they love you

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      no bodyposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      It is impossible to love in a personal committed way that one would say to a spouse or girlfriend when one doesn't personally know an individual. But one can not rule out the many different aspects of love, some of them very general. I love my Christian brothers and sisters. I love them because they are related to me by blood, the blood of Christ. Some of these strangers to me personally have given a lot for me. They teach me the Bible. They give of their time and energy for me. I appreciate and love them for it. I can not say I would marry any of them because it is not that kind of love. With one I have become close enough to think of her as close as my own sister, in some ways much closer. With several, I am ministered to and feel a very close kinship to. One call me her "baby" in a spiritual sense, probably because she knows how much I learn from her, and she is a pastor. I have been in contact via email with several brothers in the faith. I truly love them. There is also the kind of love one has for those who need to know who Jesus is. "For God so loved the world." I love because He loved. Yes, Virginia, it is possible to love those you do not know.

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      Poppa Bluesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Of course there are many kinds of love, the love you are getting irate about is the concern for your well being from strangers that happen to be fellow creatures with the same needs, and desires as you and can therefore empathize with you. I'm sure you can see how that is possible.

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      Shil1978posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Lol - I so agree. The "love me" part is just to get you interested and become a dogmatic follower!!

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      Make Moneyposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I think one form of love is when a complete religious stranger says they love you.
      
      But then you'd have to watch out.  You might start wondering why they are so happy and caring.

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         earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Or so full of hot cocky droppings!

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   10. 58

       JesusYourSaviorposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I love you my son. Accept my love!

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       (Q)posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       It's all part and parcel to cult indoctrination, a mantra to be repeated that glosses over the vile and the vicious of the cults doctrines and a gesture meant to lull you into a false sense of security while a knife is planted firmly in your back.

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       Unchained Graceposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       You are absolutely correct and ya know what? After serving God now for quite some time I cringe when someone I don't even know rolls up to me with some cheesy platitude or bumpersticker euphemism.
       
       The red flags go up for me when I see those who appear to be trying out for the Summer Olympics during church service. Hint: Doing the 200 yard dash around the congregation or falling out for the sole purpose of theatrics does not mean you love God more than I do. Those are the ones you gotta watch your back around.
       
       There are religious people and then there are those who get it done for Jesus without the fanfare, revelry and constant need for social recognition. It is as if they went to some school where certain phrases and approaches are drilled into your head and frankly, they are as transparent as transparent can get.
       
       There are many churches where testifying as to what God has done for you is encouraged. Check your motivation before volunteering for some longwinded oratory that leaves people ready to hide somewhere when they see you get up. A testimonial should be done for the expressed purpose of encouragement to others. Just like Hub Pages, blatant self-promotion isn't a good thing.
       
       Consider the true soldiers in God's Army. People like Joshua. Elijah. Abraham. They got it done. They made their decision to follow God. Joshua wasn't foaming at the mouth when they crossed the Jordan. Elijah wasn't having a "religious experience" when he stood alone in front of Jezebel's prophets and those from Baal. Abraham wasn't falling out directly in front of the pulpit when he obeyed God for the journey he was about to embark on. Point? The real deal is the real deal and anything else is? It is what it is. Exposure does come to those who "play church."

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2. 82

   earnestshubposted 13 years ago

   Love is a doing thing. It is, as you have pointed out not to be used as a religious tool to scmooze strangers with.

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      lyricsingrayposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      

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3. 67

   goldenpathposted 13 years ago

   Although very religious and firm in my own faith I do not practice that false art of "love" expression to everyone I communicate with.  It's especially shortsighted having such an exchange over the internet.  I show expressions of tolerance to all other beliefs and also acceptance but never proclaim love to an individual that I don't know.
   
   Love is too sacred an expression to be used lightly just like the using the name of deity too often and loosely.  If you love someone you better mean it and have put forth the outward effort to show it and earn it.
   
   I share your dislike of the practice.

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   Twenty One Daysposted 13 years ago

   love. the unconditional acceptance of what you are, without regard for who you are. anything more or less is partiality and a lie. Simply accepting you exist and have the same universal privileges as any other.

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5. 61

   ediggityposted 13 years ago

   God loves you.

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      zampanoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Hi. It's been a long time.
      God loves you too.

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6. 73

   dyonderposted 13 years ago

   Love is being oblivious to the Mac Truck barrelling down the road toward you as you ride your bike & try to find animal shapes in the clouds.
   As far as being loved by people for religious reasons; hah. Lets go back to the days of sex for the gods. At least that was honest.

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7. 63

   Daniel Carterposted 13 years ago

   God loves you. I don't necessarily have to.
   
   And I have my reasons.

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   TomGreenFan917posted 13 years ago

   two types of love
   1. romance
   2. bromance (like two guys who are just really good friends that are NOT gay)

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9. 82

   earnestshubposted 13 years ago

   Time to inject some more love from the good book of gods word.
   
     "I have wiped out many nations, devastating their fortress walls and towers.  Their cities are now deserted; their streets are in silent ruin.  There are no survivors to even tell what happened.  I thought, 'Surely they will have reverence for me now!  Surely they will listen to my warnings, so I won't need to strike again.'  But no; however much I punish them, they continue their evil practices from dawn till dusk and dusk till dawn."  So now the LORD says: "Be patient; the time is coming soon when I will stand up and accuse these evil nations.  For it is my decision to gather together the kingdoms of the earth and pour out my fiercest anger and fury on them.  All the earth will be devoured by the fire of my jealousy.  "On that day I will purify the lips of all people, so that everyone will be able to worship the LORD together.  My scattered people who live beyond the rivers of Ethiopia will come to present their offerings.   (Zephaniah 3:6-10 NLT)
   
   Wow, crazy vicious little god this one!!

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10. 61

    ediggityposted 13 years ago

    You forgot this part.
    
    
    Zephaniah
    
    {3:11} In that day
    shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou
    hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out
    of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou
    shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain.
    {3:12} I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and
    poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD.
    {3:13} The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor
    speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their
    mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall
    make [them] afraid.

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       DogSiDaedposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Translate please?

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          frogdroppingposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Loosely translated as - do as I say else I shall smite you
          
          That's something along the lines of my 'orrible mothers ways and means of controlling me when I was young.
          
          I spent a lot of time dodging her smitings or having a good cry because I hadn't dodged her smitings well enough

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          ediggityposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          In that day you won't have to be ashamed for what you do, and all the things that you've done which I told you not to. I will single out those who really are in it for themselves, and you will realize you are not really better than anyone.  I will leave the problematic, ill, and poor to show that they are just as important as you.  They will trust the LORD like you should have.  Hey Israel, what's left of you who follow me won't have to worry, because I will take care of the rest.
          
          
          Basically, just trust in GOD, and he will take care of the rest even when you make mitakes.

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11. 79

    kirstenblogposted 13 years ago

    I love you guys!

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       kirstenblogposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Wait.... Is this the wrong thread for that?

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          Justine76posted 13 years agoin reply to this

          well, not if youve been drinking. 

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             kirstenblogposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Maybe it would be an idea for strong religious types who live telling people how much they love us should be drunk more. Might make it easier to accept their love

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                Jeramiposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                   I don't think that would be a good idea?? ... Don't want um gettin huggy touchey feely too? Or do we ??  lol

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    Sa Toyaposted 13 years ago

    I'm spiritual and grew up in a particular faith/religion. I'm not fully practicing that now, I've made a hybrid belief I suppose...anywho
    
    There's nothing wrong with saying I love you in the context of love for your fellow man, you know valuing another human. Believing in the worth of another person.
    
    It also depends what religion you belong to not all of them spout endless love at randomers
    
    But I get what you mean love is a very strong word, in my opinion but I'd rather they said I love you, than I hate you

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    TMinutposted 13 years ago

    It is odd to be told someone loves you online, my reaction is usually annoyance and 'no, you don't! what the heck?! You don't even know me!'
    
    But it's also happened that a couple of times I was on here and reading and suddenly felt a strong compassion and love for someone. I don't say anything because it's too weird, I don't mean when someone reveals their suffering or something like that.
    But it's just way too strange so, since I can't do anything for them, I pray and then go do something for someone near me. People are incredibly strange. Life is incredibly strange.

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       aguasilverposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Isn't if funny that we (collectively) can manage to flare up and show hate/anger/fear to someone when challenged by what we read, but find it much more difficult to show love.
       
       But all those who sent 'congratulations' to Ernest for his 600th fan, were effectively showing 'love' for his contribution, so maybe it's the fact that someone says 'I LOVE YOU' that causes the problem, it's kinda in your face and normally not wanted anyway.
       
       Probably the worse thing is to be told someone is indifferent to you.

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    prettydarkhorseposted 13 years ago

    I care for you, and for other hubbers yes,
    
    but then LOVE is not an easy thing to say, it is far more deeper than that, just blurting it is irresponsible...

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       Bovine Currencyposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       hey whats this dark down comment
       
       tell me

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    TMinutposted 13 years ago

    BC, I think they're referring to either the hair on your belly or the black boxers/briefs/whichever seen just below your beltline.

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    tantrumposted 13 years ago

    Don't worry ! I don't love you .

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