It is a completely selfless love: Tereza did not want anything of Karenin; she did not ever ask him to love her back. Nor had she ever asked herself the questions that plague human couples: Does he love me? Does he love anyone more than me? Does he love me more than I love him? Perhaps all the questions we ask of love, to measure, test, probe, and save it, have the additional effect of cutting it short. Perhaps the reason we are unable to love is that we yearn to be loved, that is, we demand something {love} from our partner instead of delivering ourselves up to him demand-free and asking for nothing but his company.
The passage reflects on the concept of selfless love as portrayed through Tereza and Karenin's relationship. Tereza exemplifies a love that is unconditional, not seeking reciprocity or answers to the typical doubts that can cloud romantic connections. Her love is devoid of the common anxieties over affection that many experience, suggesting a purer form of attachment that does not require validation or assurance from the other person.
Kundera suggests that the obsession with measuring love can actually hinder it. Instead of freely giving their affection, individuals often seek reassurance of their partner's feelings, which can create tension and limit genuine connection. By emphasizing the importance of being present for each other without the burden of demands or expectations, the text proposes a deeper, more meaningful way to experience love, one that is about shared companionship rather than transactional emotional exchanges.
