abaya

Well, Ben, I am not sure what to say... is that a good thing or a bad thing?

I was tossing out a few different questions there, mostly because I have been on both sides: throwing myself completely into love, trusting it completely no matter what happened; and being cautious as hell, not wanting to make a move until the other person does so. I used to be idealistic, then I got very bitter and cynical, and now I think I'm just doing okay. Hence ktspktsp's and my relationship, going longer and stronger than anything we've known before.

Alright. So, I do think that one should give 100% to the relationship. (I have been trying to listen to ratbastid.) But I also think one has to be healthy about how this is done... and sometimes, it's just not healthy to do crazy-ass shit for love, over and over and over again, to the point of mania. We see it here on TFP all the time... people stuck in unhealthy patterns because they *think* they're doing the right thing, giving it all... and getting absolutely zilch in return. They're basically abusing themselves. Many of them have lost their own selves in the process. There has to be a balance.

Maybe I'm totally off-topic from the OP. But I guess, to me, why the hell didn't the nun herself announce her love for the man? Why couldn't she put herself on the line for the sake of love? Sure, maybe she was "teaching him a lesson," but that's not what you do when you love someone. You don't "test" them or "teach" them. Love itself is the teacher, not the other person. That nun was playing a game, if you ask me.

Or, conversely, why couldn't the guy just stand up and announce his love, all by himself, without the woman demanding it from him? If he TRULY loved her, he wouldn't need her to ask him for proof... and she wouldn't demand it. He would have just done it, without thinking... as you said about your own declarations, Ben. I think he was, in fact, hiding his feelings... which, as you say, is not love.

Meh, just my usual rambling... maybe I'm really just a cynic. But there's just something not right in that story. Perhaps if it was the master who knew about the love letter, and called on the writer to declare himself... that would work better for me. But to have the woman herself demand proof... nah.

EDIT: Forgive my over-analysis of this simple story. But you did put "Tilted Philosophy" up there, which calls for over-analysis hehe.

__________________
And think not you can direct the course of Love;
for Love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.
--Khalil Gibran