Does unconditional love even exist? It’s probably not what you think
- Sep 18, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 19, 2025
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We’ve all been sold a fairytale about love. The kind of love that’s selfless and pure. The kind that defies logic and reason and is totally unconditional. But let’s be real for a minute. When we step out of the Disney movies and into our actual lives, a question pops up: is love truly unconditional, or is it an illusion we’ve created to feel better about ourselves? It’s time to take a closer look and decide if love is a natural force or something we’ve conditioned ourselves to believe.
Let's talk about the unspoken rules of love. You know, the "fine print." It’s not written down anywhere, but it’s there in our actions, expectations, and silent promises. Think about a friendship where one person is always there for the other, but when the tables turn, the support doesn't come back. Over time, that bond starts to crack. That's not a lack of love. It’s a sign that love often has unsaid terms, and when they aren’t met, the relationship suffers.
This becomes even more obvious in romantic relationships. Take a couple who are crazy about each other, but one partner always puts work first. The other person feels neglected, and their needs for attention go unmet. The love hasn't vanished, but it’s conditional, depending on emotional needs that aren't being fulfilled. It’s an emotional economy. We give love and expect something in return—and when we don’t get it, the love we feel starts to change. So is it possible that every type of love is actually a transaction?
