"不成熟的爱说:“我爱你,因为我需要你。”成熟的爱说:“我需要你,因为我爱你。”"
— Erich Fromm
Simplified Meaning:
When someone is young or inexperienced in love, they might say they love someone just because they need that person to feel happy, secure, or complete. It's like saying, "I love you because of what you do for me." This can be a bit selfish since it's about what they can get from the relationship. On the other hand, when someone is mature and truly understands love, they feel they need the other person because they genuinely love them. It means their love is strong and real, and they value the person for who they are, not just for what they can offer. Think about a parent and their child. An immature kind of love would be a child loving their parent just because the parent gives them food, toys, and comfort. A mature kind of love is when a parent loves their child unconditionally, and everything they do for their child comes from that deep love, not because they expect anything in return. In your own life, you can apply this by focusing on loving people for who they are, appreciating their qualities and presence, instead of only what they can give you. This way, your relationships will be stronger and more meaningful.