Appreciative love gazes and holds its breath and is silent, rejoices that such a wonder should exist even if not for him, will not be wholly dejected by losing her, would rather have it so than never to have seen her at all.
In his exploration of love, C.S. Lewis discusses a profound form of affection known as appreciative love. This type of love transcends possessiveness and selfish desires; it is characterized by a deep admiration for another person’s existence, regardless of whether that person belongs to the admirer. Appreciative love finds joy in simply witnessing the beauty and wonder of someone else, embracing their uniqueness and presence.
Lewis emphasizes that genuine appreciation doesn’t lead to despair when faced with loss. Instead, it celebrates the cherished moments spent with the beloved, suggesting that the experience of loving, even in absence, is more valuable than never having known them at all. This perspective highlights a selfless quality of love, where the joy of appreciation outweighs personal loss, creating a rich emotional experience centered on the recognition of another's inherent worth.
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