Not a myth, but a reality: how to recognize unconditional love for you.
Unconditional love is a sentiment inherent to harmonious human relationships. For these relationships to flourish, it is crucial to exhibit signs of unconditional love.
What is unconditional love? In an exclusive comment to NUR.KZ, licensed consultant of the online program MFT, Master of Clinical Counseling Psychology Shenella Karunaratne explains:
Acceptance in unconditional love means that the loving person wholeheartedly embraces the entirety of another, with all their strengths and weaknesses, notes consultant psychologist and psychotherapist at ClinicSpots Nivedita Nayak:
This creates a foundation where individuals can be their true selves without fear of judgment.
Unconditional love is a profound affection and provision of support regardless of the situation or the other person's behavior, explains licensed clinical psychologist Zita Kristo to NUR.KZ readers. It implies that one should not hold back from giving oneself entirely to another.
It is support in both good and bad times, regardless of flaws or mistakes, emphasizes licensed clinical social worker at Paramount Wellness Retreat April Crow.
Can there be unconditional love between a man and a woman? Such relationships can exist among partners, parents and children, or friends, believes psychologist Zita Kristo. This is a sign of emotional safety, confidence, and genuine connection.
Unconditional love is rare among people, asserts certified veterinarian and healthy lifestyle specialist at Neurogan Health Helle Brandrup. Someone may claim to love another unconditionally, but in reality, love often depends on being loved in return, respected, or cared for. Any pet owner can attest that pets love them unconditionally.
A necessary condition for unconditional love is forgiveness. This allows relationships to progress rather than remain stuck in past grievances, points out Nivedita Nayak:
Unconditional love is the ability to forgive, not holding onto grudges, and wishing the best for the other person, even if it does not bring direct benefit, believes Master of Psychology and certified relationship coach at Positive Dating Jonathan Hartley:
You can deeply love someone while also establishing healthy boundaries and holding them accountable.
Forgiveness stems from acceptance and affirms trust. Without faith in a person's good intentions, you cannot truly accept or forgive them. Trust means confidence in a person's intentions, even when things do not go as planned, explains Nivedita Nayak:
Unconditional love develops when we prioritize the needs of the other person through sacrifice and trust in the relationship, affirms mental health coach and founder of the nonprofit organization Share The Struggle Richard Mattingly.
A partner trusts the intentions, goals, tasks, and abilities of the other person. This means that they align with their life principles.
Respect is more than just politeness. It is the appreciation of another individual's uniqueness and the reverence for their distinct perspectives, highlights expert Nivedita Nayak:
Respect lays the groundwork for a partnership where each person feels heard and valued. It is a situation where both parties feel they can relax and express all their thoughts without fear of ostracism or even abandonment, explains Zita Kristo.
You can share your boldest ideas with them, like starting a llama farm or watching terrible reality shows, and an unconditionally loving person won't even bat an eye, comments psychologist, founder, and lead content creator of the mental health website My Thriving Mind Veronica West. Unconditional love means that people can reveal their true selves in all its forms. They will be respected by all, even the quirkiest and most unusual aspects of their personality.
Unconditional love always understands that growth takes time. It would be strange for parents to expect a child to comprehend and execute things that are not appropriate for their age. Children need time to understand many things.
The same applies to partnership relationships. Patience in unconditional love means giving someone the time and space they need to grow, says psychotherapist Nivedita Nayak. It acknowledges that changes do not happen overnight and that each person's journey to self-improvement is unique. By demonstrating patience, you show that your commitment goes beyond quick results and that you are willing to embark on this journey.
When a girl chooses a man who has already achieved a lot as her partner, it is a justified choice. However, if her beloved is still on that path and it becomes a source of her dissatisfaction, then that is not unconditional love.
Unconditional love means that care does not depend on what someone does for you, notes Richard Mattingly. You act out of a genuine desire to support another person, without keeping a mental tally of favors, emphasizes Nivedita Nayak. An unconditionally loving person is always ready to listen or help because they genuinely care, not out of hope for something in return. Although there will still be a psychological bonus—strengthening the bond with that person and gaining mutual appreciation.
Jonathan Hartley notes:
Unconditional love is not about losing yourself in another person, but rather about maintaining your own identity while fully embracing theirs.
Unconditional love is not something unique. It is a journey, not a destination, and it requires ongoing effort, self-reflection, and a genuine willingness to grow together.