Some caregivers find it hard to use the word “love” because they feel that it is too personal and subjective, destroys the needed professionalism in therapeutic relationships, and simply does not belong in the “work” setting. They feel comfortable in their patient-clinician relationship and find the use of the word “love” as improper, culturally inappropriate, and exceedingly subjective.

 

Ironically, in a culture of gentleness unconditional love is the central care giving phenomenon required. Each person’s circle of caring should be measured against the standard of the on-going expression of unconditional love. Love is defined as acceptance of the person, respect for him/her, the desire to nurture and the act of nurturing when troubled, the on-going expression of love, honor, and respect through all care giving words and deeds. Love given unconditionally is its expression during good moments and difficult ones. However, if it is no given during good moments, it will have little to no meaning during hard ones. All care giving should be ruled by the continuous giving of unconditional love.

 

We need to reflect on ”love’s” meaning and our use of it. In our care giving context it is filled with many meanings such as respectfulness, kindness, forgiveness, and tolerance. The word love should not be feared, but lifted up; it should not be tossed aside but placed at the center of all care giving.