For...give.

"I feel so desperately sad."
My wife said that to me this morning. She was reflecting on her inability to prove to someone in our lives that she truly cares about them.

It is a matter of ego that prevents us from accepting love from others. It is fear of hurt that separates us from each other.

We all play each role in the dichotomy. We are the ones who turn from the compassion of another out of fear and we are the ones who are turned from. It is hard to say which role is the more painful. It is a strong person who can admit the need for love, who can accept compassion from another when they are at their most vulnerable. But often our weakness is greater than our strength. It is a simple act to show love, but a trial to accept it. This is hard to understand unless you have felt it. Maybe it's hard because in the end it is the acceptance of love that is truly the greatest gift one can give.

On the other side, it is painful to give love freely when the possibility of rejection looms so heavily. It is even more difficult after we have been rejected by the other. This often closes off the interaction and ends the relationship. This is the point when true strength is required. It is a rare person who can proceed from here in a positive and constructive way. It is much easier to quit and never attain the true prize of acceptance.

I, myself, am on both sides currently.

So which side is the more difficult? Which side is the more rewarding? Which side is the more painful?

Which side are you on?