Exactly. I knew this would happen. Errantrogue, being a MODERATOR of the philosophy forum even can't keep the snipid comments off. That's why ~I~ chose myself to be the mod of this thread....

No need to be stupid. And no need to be curt. And certainly, this is NOT a thread intended to be a rant/bitch on how much you hate love because your love life sucks. Fuck off (please and thank you if that's your intent)...not saying anyone has gone there already, but it certainly looks like it...

As for the OED, Peter, it's so biased and Western that it makes me sick. It's great and all for correcting spelling but that thing is so stupid, especially in terms of anything non-political. That's the only good use of that thing...

Why don't we try some philosophy in the philosophy forum now...not just one-liner opinions...?...

ANYWAY, if this can now continue....

To love oneself...well, yes, I agree with Sybs here more or less. To love oneself in a healthy manner (emotionally and physically) to a point where that confidance can then be spread outwardly to others is the important first step. Whether by free-form "energy"/spiritual love (good attitudes are contagious type of thing) or by physical means (gift giving, sex, compassionate actions, etc).

Problem with that set of behavior is that that isn't the case most of the time. And most people who would say what is said above are probably hypocrits anyway, to some degree. So, to press that point further, in realistic terms, (to the majority of our society and our culture) what is to love oneself?

Now, to love another is to express general care (the depth of that is ultimately up to you) for another. Lets postulate that the give and take of love (balanced reciprocity) is what to love another in a healthy manner is all about. Does the gain fuel the continual cycle or is it the giving? Now this is interesting, because in some cultures, the people gain status/prestige/political power/everything from giving rather than our Western standard of accumulating wealth. Apply this to a relationship as well. Oh, and this is all remaining in the confines of two lovers, no children, no sexual deviancy, etc...

How's that for a do-over..? Discuss.