"Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds "

The core idea here is that true love remains constant and unchanging, regardless of external circumstances or challenges. We're talking about a love that isn't swayed by difficulties or the evolving nature of life. This kind of love stays true even when faced with alterations or unexpected changes.

This quote comes from Shakespeare's Sonnet 116. It's part of a larger declaration about what love should be—steadfast, strong, and unshakeable. Shakespeare wrote this in the late 16th century, a time when poetry was a key way to express deep emotions and philosophical thoughts. He wanted to paint a picture of ideal love, one that many people yearn for but find difficult to achieve in reality.

Imagine this: think about a couple who've been married for decades. They've been through the wringer—job losses, health scares, raising kids, maybe even a bout of infidelity. But despite all these trials, their love for each other remains solid. Take John and Mary, for example. They met in college, fell in love, and got married. Over the years, John lost his job, and Mary was diagnosed with cancer. They had their fights, and there were times when they could have easily given up. But their love didn't waver. Even when John had to take a minimum-wage job to pay the bills or when Mary lost her hair during chemotherapy, they stood by each other. They weathered the storm because their love was true—it didn't alter when faced with alterations.

If you want to apply this kind of wisdom in your life, here's a tip: commit to being there for your loved ones, no matter what. It's easy to love someone when things are going well. But real love shows itself when times get tough. So, the next time you're faced with a challenging situation in your relationship, remember this quote. Don’t let temporary setbacks change your feelings. Be patient, communicate openly, and support each other.

Now, let me paint you a relatable scenario. Picture this: you're in a long-term relationship, and everything's been pretty smooth sailing. Then, one day, your partner loses their job. Suddenly, there's a lot of stress and tension in your life. You start arguing more, and things just seem to spiral. It's a tough spot to be in, no doubt. But this is where the strength of your love is tested. Instead of letting this situation drive a wedge between you, try to come together. Support your partner, be their rock. Look for solutions as a team. This is what true love looks like—it's not about never facing problems, but about facing them together and coming out stronger on the other side.

In essence, true love is about steadfastness and commitment. It’s about sticking together through thick and thin, weathering life's inevitable storms without wavering. So next time you face an “alteration,” remember: real love doesn’t falter—it remains a guiding light, unchanged by the winds of change.