What does it mean to be “traditionally” in love?
Is it not the adoration for a friend or awe for a talented mate? What of the love of a pet or even a place. Some grow attached to favorite places, like park benches of university common rooms, and find some way to engrave themselves into part of the scenery. So simple these aspects as they almost are mundane in it’s love but present never-the-less. A well loved shirt, scent, food. Everyone loves great food.
What of a physical love? Pleasures of gifts from a close friend, hugs or slight indulged enjoyments of the flesh?
What if it was all a combination into one package; one little wrapped up package, maybe with a bow! It may not be neat or even what we had expected. Perhaps that little package is defiant, or too simple. Maybe it liked different music of wore make up (or too much make up). Yet everything you needed, wanted, stood right there in front of you and in a moment of weakness those 3 simple, yet profound, words slipped out? And all that sweet perfect little package did was pat you on the back and walk away?
Was I wrong? Little perfect words were to be returned if indeed that little package was perfect. Clearly it wasn’t that easy, nor that simple.
“Pien, dear,” My mother started. I was so relieved that she did not used that horrible nickname. “When I was in love with your father he turned me down every step. It was only when I gave up that he turned around and married me. Of course there was that tramp secretary of his but that was after I had you . . .” She rambled as she always did about papa.
It was when the attention stopped . . . was I being too easy prey? It was a fathomable notion and one I could relate to. I, after all, did always love a good challenge, would not my perfect little package be the same?
” . . . and then there was that time your father walked in on me at work pole dancing.”
“Mom!”
“Well he did!” -Indignant “But, really Pien, if you love him, leave him be. If he is the one for you he will chase you, if not, then he’s not good enough for my baby girl.”
“Thanks mom.”
“Any time, dear.”
“Oh, mom?”
“Yes?”
“I love you, mom.”
“I love you too, Pien.”
Published in Issue 226 of the Singapore Edition.
