"إذا ضغطت عليّ لقول لماذا أحببته لا أستطيع أن أقول أكثر من لأنه كان هو وأنا كنت أنا"

Loving someone deeply is often hard to put into words. It’s like trying to catch smoke with your hands—impossible to grasp fully. The idea here is about the mystery and simplicity of love. Sometimes, there isn't a grand reason why we love someone. It’s just that they are who they are, and you are who you are. The connection just exists, unspoken and profound.

This quote goes way back to the French Renaissance philosopher Michel de Montaigne. He wrote it in his essays, talking about his deep friendship with Étienne de La Boétie. Imagine living in the 1500s—a time when intellectual companionship was rare and precious. Montaigne found a kindred spirit in La Boétie, someone who matched his intellect and soul. Their friendship was so unique that Montaigne couldn’t explain it beyond the simple fact of their mutual understanding and appreciation.

Now, think about this in the context of your own life. Have you ever had a friend or a partner who just “got” you? No need for fancy explanations or reasons—your connection is just there. Take Jane and Lisa, for example. They met in college and instantly clicked. Jane loves hiking and Lisa prefers painting, yet they understand each other on a level that goes beyond shared hobbies. They support each other through breakups, celebrate each other's wins, and sometimes just sit in silence, totally content. When people ask Jane why she cherishes Lisa so much, she simply says, “Because she’s Lisa, and I’m me.”

To apply this wisdom, start by embracing the simplicity of your relationships. Don’t overthink or force connections. Sometimes, the best bonds don’t need a rationale. Just appreciate the people in your life for who they are, and accept that your unique self connects with them in ways that don’t need explanation.

Imagine you’re at a coffee shop, trying to explain your friendship with your best buddy. You might say, “We just vibe, you know? There’s no big reason.” That’s it. That’s the essence of Montaigne’s quote. It’s about recognizing that some relationships are rooted in the fundamental nature of who you both are.

Picture this: you’re at a family gathering, and your cousin asks why you’re still friends with someone you’ve known since kindergarten. You shrug and smile, “Because they’re them, and I’m me.” Your cousin might think it’s a non-answer, but you know it’s the whole truth. The connection is real, and it doesn’t need to be dissected.

In a world where we’re often pushed to explain and justify everything, it’s refreshing to remember that some things—especially love and deep friendship—just *are*. They don’t fit neatly into boxes or flowcharts. They exist in that comfortable space of mutual understanding and respect.

So, next time you feel the need to explain why you love someone, remember Montaigne and his friend. Sometimes, it’s enough to just say, “Because they’re they, and I’m me.” And that, my friend, is the beauty of it all.