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There are a lot of straight forward things in this world and love is not one of them. Even some of the smartest people have failed to fully comprehend it.
People tend to interchange the words love and like and many seem to have their own unique definitions. I have chosen to go with the idea that one loves despite and likes because. This basically means that love is without reason in contrary to like which demands a reason. Like is conditional. People will like you because of certain characteristics, qualities or values that you possess. Based on this logic, it's possible to love someone you don't like just as much as it is to like someone you don't love.
Let's talk about those who love you; could be your sibling, parent/guardian or a friend. Those who really love you stick around even when you are at your lowest or when you are totally irrational and annoying. Those people you can always count on. Real love never dies but like.... I can like you today and not like you tomorrow simply because like is more of a decission made from circumstances. Like is seasonal. It's not surprising to find out that people who like you will flee when things go wrong. I have realised how social media fans easily turn away from their celebrity icons when they cease to live up to the expected standard. This is simply because what they liked would have faded. A typical example of love is what most men have for their football teams; they stick around even when they are losing.
Beyond reasonable doubt, love is more important than like. All the same, being loved on its own is not enough. It is key to give those who love you a reason to like you because loving without liking becomes more of a prison sentence; you honour it without enjoying it. You shouldn't be a burden to those who truly care about. Love is supposed to be enjoyed and not endured. Never put those who love you in a situation whereby loving you becomes painful. Your parents can provide everything for you out of love and still not like you because of your unruly behaviour. Your friends can still love you and stick around but lack a liking for you because of your temper and cheekiness. So yeah; it's not enough to be loved. Be likeable.
Love and like are like two sides of the same coin, takes the two to make the coin. At times like can eventually escalate into love which is the case with most romantic relationships. People like what they see and then learn to love it. I dare you to ask your loved ones if they really like you. If not, find out the reasons and check on yourself. It's healthy.
Keep in mind, not everyone has to like you but those who truly love you deserve a reason to do so. Don't rob them of that incentive. Try as much as you can to adjust and make others actually enjoy and appreciate your presence. You need to strike that balance of being loved and liked; not by everyone but by the right people.
The question remains.
Those who love you; do they like you?
At the end of the day, love and like are like Tom and Jerry; two seemingly conflicting ideas but when brought together create the best show that will keep you elated.
