When do you know that you have lost everything you imagined would help you sail through life and everything attached to it?

Most of us bank on love to see us through. It is our centre of gravity, our nucleus. We seldom recognise an existence without the cocoon created by love. It is thus painful when it all comes crashing down. Your life is filled with an edgy restlessness that refuses to dissipate. Generally, this is followed by a void, an insatiable vacuum that causes you to careen down a path of self-destruction. If you are surrounded by good friends, you might get lucky. But if you are on your own, you might damage yourself to an incurable extent.

What causes love to crack? For love is not impregnable in today's world. Love is not beyond doubt and love is never beyond illness. Transparency is the mother of love. It truly is. Make that your bible. Embrace it. Induct it into your soul. Lies corrode love like rust eats away at iron. Like plants, love needs nurture. Water it...watch over it and continue to nourish it. We often take love for granted. It is a fatal mistake. We often assume that words will be enough. They sometimes never are. Actions are a showcase for love. Actions are pillars of love. If you mean it, show it.

Pragmatism is heavily undervalued. Yet, it is love's steadfast companion. Dreaming is good, building castles is admirable...but futures are not constructed on willowy clouds of fantasy. Futures are bred on sound planning, sacrifice and teamwork. Futures are enforced by practicality. Have your feet on the ground...always.

Love has several friends. But perhaps, listening would be it's best friend. We are all caught up in our everyday razzle and dazzle. We are all wanting to emote, speak about ourselves and make people aware of our difficulties. However, only speaking shall never do you any justice. Listen...with rapt attention. Respond with genuineness. Participate in conversations. Open up to imbibing. Love just loves these little things.

Most of all, adopt hugs. Yes, the one that allows you to hold a loved one close to your chest...close enough to feel their heart-beats, take in their aura and convey passion. Use your hands to hold their backs and deepen the hold. Life is short and sometimes love is not enough. Atleast ensure that you have no regrets. That is the least you owe yourself.