"Ne pense jamais que je suis tombé amoureux de toi ou pour toi. Je ne suis pas tombé amoureux, je me suis élevé en lui."

Falling in love is often described as a loss of control, a head-over-heels plunge into the unknown. But what if love wasn't about losing yourself? Imagine if it was about becoming a better version of who you already are. This quote flips the typical idea of falling in love on its head. Instead of falling, it's about rising. Loving someone shouldn't mean you diminish who you are; it should mean you grow, you elevate.

Think about it. The phrase "falling in love" implies a loss of balance, a tumble where you might get hurt. But rising in love? That's powerful. It means love is an uplifting force, something that makes you stronger and more whole. This concept can change the way we navigate relationships.

Historically, people have long romanticized love as a grand, often tumultuous adventure. Shakespeare's tragedies are filled with love stories that involve a great deal of falling—Romeo and Juliet, anyone? But times are changing. We're starting to see love not just as a passionate, chaotic experience, but as something that can be stable, empowering, and deeply transformative.

So, how does this look in real life? Picture a friend of mine, Sarah. She used to date guys who made her feel small, like she had to shrink parts of herself to fit into their lives. Then she met Tom. Tom wasn't just a partner; he was a catalyst. With him, Sarah didn't have to hold back. She started painting again, something she had given up because an old boyfriend thought it was a waste of time. She went back to school, chasing a dream she'd almost forgotten. Tom didn't just love her—he believed in her potential, and that belief helped her see it in herself.

If you're looking to apply this wisdom, start by asking yourself: Does this relationship help me grow? Do I feel more like myself, or less? Love should make you feel like you can reach higher, not like you're constantly tripping over obstacles. It's about partnership and mutual support. Look for someone who challenges you in the best ways, who supports your dreams and has their own they’re pursuing, too. It’s give and take, push and pull, but always with the aim of rising, not falling.

Imagine you're at a coffee shop, chatting with a friend who's struggling with their relationship. They say they're in love but feel like they're always compromising, always giving up pieces of themselves. You'd probably tell them they deserve better, right? You'd want them to find someone who helps them rise. That’s what this quote is all about. Love should build you up, not tear you down.

In the end, it's about redefining what love means to you. It's not a whirlwind that leaves you breathless and dizzy. It's a steady climb, hand in hand, to a better place. So next time you think about love, don't picture a fall. Picture a rise. See it as an adventure that takes you higher, to places you've always wanted to go, but maybe didn’t believe you could reach alone. Because real love doesn't just happen to you—it helps you become the person you're meant to be.