"لكي يكون الحب حقيقيًا، يجب أن يكلفنا - يجب أن يؤلمنا - يجب أن يفرغنا من ذاتنا."

Love, at its very essence, is about selflessness and sacrifice. When we truly love someone, it isn’t just a casual feeling or a fleeting moment of affection. Real love requires us to give a part of ourselves away. It demands that we put the needs, desires, and well-being of someone else above our own. This means love will cost us—it will require effort, time, and sometimes, it will hurt.

Think about when this idea was likely discussed. One prominent figure who often spoke about the true nature of love was Mother Teresa. She dedicated her life to helping the poorest of the poor, sacrificing her own comfort and well-being to serve others. For her, love wasn’t just a word; it was an action that demanded a high price—her entire life's work.

Take a relatable example to see this concept in action. Imagine a parent raising a child. From the moment that child is born, the parent is constantly giving—sleepless nights, endless worry, and sacrificing personal time and resources. It’s not easy. There are times when it’s downright painful. But through all the challenges, the parent’s love grows stronger. It's real because it costs them. It hurts when the child falls or fails, and it empties the parent of self as they prioritize the child’s needs over their own.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start small. Think about your relationships, whether it’s with a partner, friend, or family member. Ask yourself: What can I do to show my love more genuinely? It could be as simple as listening more attentively, being there when things get tough, or offering help without expecting anything in return. The key is to step out of your comfort zone and give a part of yourself.

Here’s a story to illustrate the point. Imagine two friends, Alex and Jamie. Alex is going through a rough patch—lost their job, struggling with self-esteem, and feeling utterly hopeless. Jamie, on the other hand, has a busy life, a demanding job, and barely any free time. Despite this, Jamie decides to spend their weekends helping Alex look for new job opportunities, practicing interview questions, and just being there to lend an ear. Jamie even sacrifices some personal plans to make sure Alex isn’t alone during this tough time. It’s not easy—Jamie feels the strain and exhaustion. But this act of selfless love helps Alex get back on their feet. Over time, Alex finds a new job and regains confidence, and their friendship grows stronger.

This story shows that love isn’t always grand gestures. Often, it’s the small, consistent acts of selflessness that make the most significant impact. So, the next time you think about love in your life, remember: it should cost you something. It might hurt a bit, and it will definitely require you to put someone else’s needs ahead of your own. But that’s what makes it real and incredibly valuable. And in the end, the love you give will come back to you in ways you might never expect.