Love is cultural, as it is expressed relatively according to culture. Whereas the Tahitian shares love with a large family circle, the Californian, detached from clan, desperately showers it on a single mate. Insofar as love is of culture, it is in conflict with nature, and it should come as no surprise that it forever keeps us in turmoil regarding our feelings. It is not, will not, and has never been a harmonious emotion in humans. For it stands in eternal struggle with our instinct, and the more idealized love becomes, the more unbearable it is for the lovers. Romance should be relished like a fine praline. That’s to say on the right occasion. Otherwise, it crosses our palate sickly sweet, betraying a bitter aftertaste, and in the end leaves us with indigestion. At least until we reach the next bonbon.
Lust is natural. This is why it feels good, whereas more often than not love leaves one thoroughly in a stew. In light of man’s proclivity to promiscuity and woman’s tendency for opportunism, cupid’s arrows would better rest in their quiver. Love may be a many-splendored thing, but when all is said and done, it’s friendship that ties the bow of monogamy. Cherish love; nurture friendship. This is the rule. It has been said that pleasure is nature’s seal of approval. If it feels good, do it. If you feel good after the fact, then do it again. There are only two ways to overcome desire: through abstinence or abundance. There are primates that choose one mate in life. How many Homo sapiens copulate with only one partner? Culture preaches monogamy while nature repeats it¾over and over again.
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