Name: Gille Anne Mae P.

Carino
Course & Year: BSA 1
Subject: 15792 NSTP 102 (S & Su – 10:30 AM-12:00 PM)

Preliminary Period
Activity #2

The Art of Loving: Be the First to Love

We are not the kind of family who roam around and blatantly show our affections.
We are not the kind of family whose first and last words always include the words, “I love
you”. We do not talk much about our feelings. We do not mingle like all other loving
families are doing. But no matter how huge that absence of a love language is, I know
and feel in my heart that we will always be willing to die for each other. I know and feel
that the love we have for each other is something extremely intangible yet extremely felt.
That’s the kind of love I grew up with. That’s the kind of love I am accustomed to give.

Oftentimes, people would tell me how huge of a snob, frank, and cold I am. I can
not counter that because I know for a fact that I am somewhat like that. It does not offend
me in any way, it just hurt a little. Why would people assume something about someone
they haven’t gotten to know that much? I grew up in an environment who do not shower
affection. I am accustomed to treat people in a very civilized manner. I was born like that.
Why am I saying all of these things by the way? Ah, now I remember. I should be realizing
by now that the only remedy for uncalled for remarks is to love the people who spout
those. Everything should be reciprocated. The negative should be reciprocated with
positive, the positive should be reciprocated with positive. It does not seem unfair. That’s
what all people should be doing. Be kind. And by being kind, we are loving. Be sensitive.
And by being sensitive, we are caring. Be the first to love. And by being the first to love,
we are inspiring them to do the same.

Yes, I do know what I should be doing. But then, why does it seem so hard? Ah
yes, I remember. I grew up in a family capable of loving but not capable enough showing
it. No matter how much I try to think about it, I kind of envy those affectionate families. It’s
easy for them to relate with people. It’s easy for other people to relate with them. That’s
the kind of feeling I want to experience. How can I love first if I do not know how to convey
it properly? Upon ending this, I can not arrive at a definite answer. But you know,
experience will always be the best teacher. I am learning, growing. Time will come and I
will be able to say the words, “I love you” first. And I am looking forward to that.