Books Over Boys

by: Ronald James R. Payos

According to the Webster's Vest Pocket Dictionary, the term love is defined as a strong and deep feeling of attachment; ardent affection for a person of the opposite sex. From this definition, we could say that love is more of an emotional feeling - it springs from the heart. Some even say that it set asides rational and critical aspects of the mind.

If that is the case, then will those people whom we regard as geeks or geniuses have the chance to express and experience love aside from loving books and flat one grades?

I would like to share an interview from a salutatorian classsmate back in highshool who now is studying at the University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City. However, she refused to let her name be broadcasted for privacy reasons.

She defined love as "A state wherein two physically, emotionally, mentally, financially and spiritually mature individuals are ready to unite and build a faithful relationship throughout their lifetime."

"Unselfishness, faithfulness and thoughtfulness are some virtues that would manifest if you are truly in love." , she added.

And when it comes to the issue of geniuses are incapable of loving because they are only using their brains, she said, "Oh no, it's not true. What people don't know is that a loving heart is always accompanied by a rational mind. If one is missing, definitely you are not loving."

Therefore, love isn't only a matter of affection and emotion. It is also essential that our rational and critical self are present. As our interviewee puts it, "If one is missing, definitely you are not loving."