The opposite of love is not hate. It is indifference.
In "The Beloved Ego: Foundations of the New Study of the Psyche," Wilhelm Stekel challenges the conventional belief that hate is the opposite of love. Instead, he asserts that indifference, or a lack of any emotional response, represents the true opposite of love. This perspective highlights how emotional apathy can be more damaging than overt negativity.
Stekel's insight suggests that the lack of engagement and care can lead to emotional voids in relationships. When individuals are indifferent, they fail to connect or communicate, which could result in isolation and disconnection. This view encourages a deeper understanding of love's complexities and the critical role that emotional investment plays in fostering healthy relationships.