"任何因期望被爱而去爱的人都是在浪费时间。"

Loving with the expectation of getting love back is like trying to fill a bucket with a hole in it. The main idea here is simple: if you’re only loving someone because you want their love in return, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Love isn’t about transactions. It’s about genuinely caring for someone else without strings attached.

Imagine this: You’re in a relationship, and every time you do something nice for your partner, you’re secretly hoping they’ll do something nice back. You cook them dinner, but you expect a big thank you or a favor in return. When they don’t respond the way you hoped, you feel hurt or resentful. This kind of love isn’t pure. It’s conditional. You’re not loving them for who they are—you’re loving them for what they can give you.

Historically, this wisdom can be traced back to philosophical and religious teachings. For example, many spiritual traditions emphasize the importance of selfless love—loving without attaching yourself to outcomes. When you expect something in return, your love becomes a bargaining chip rather than a gift.

Let’s take a look at a real-life example. Picture a mother who loves her child unconditionally. She doesn’t love her baby because she expects the baby to thank her or repay her in some way. She loves because it’s her nature to do so. She’s fueled by the joy and fulfillment that comes from simply loving. If we could all love like that, without expecting anything in return, our relationships would be much more fulfilling and less stressful.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by reflecting on your motivations. When you do something kind for someone, ask yourself if you’re expecting something back. If you are, try to let go of that expectation. Practice loving for the sake of loving. It’s not easy—it takes time and effort to shift your mindset. But the more you practice, the more natural it will become.

Here’s a relatable story to bring this idea home. Think about your best friend. Imagine they’ve just had a really tough day. You decide to show up at their doorstep with their favorite comfort food and a listening ear. You’re not doing this because you expect them to pay you back. You’re doing it because you genuinely care about their well-being. That’s pure, unconditional love. Now, imagine if you did that in every relationship—how much richer and deeper your connections would be.

In essence, love is a gift, not a trade. When you love without expecting anything in return, you free yourself from the chains of disappointment. You get to experience the pure joy of giving, which is a reward in itself. So next time you show love, do it with an open heart and no strings attached. You’ll find that the act of loving becomes its own beautiful reward.