"Well, to be honest, it never was just a Modern thing. In fact, almost since human life began, this 'Modern Love' has nearly always been the way that practical, workaday, results-oriented people have gone about their lives. And not just in big commercial operations, but especially within effective marriages and households.
"So why is it so confoundedly hard to understand?
"Once again, I'll start from the beginning. There are obviously, self-evidently two (2) distinct sides to charitable, giving, sacrificial love. Likewise there are two (2) distinct and appropriate objects to which each side is properly directed.
"There is that side of Love which is agitating and stressful, and which makes demands, and places expectations, and expects nothing less - do you hear me? - NOTHING LESS than whatever perfection is appropriate to the particular task, situation and context in hand. Because NOTHING LESS THAN THAT is what's required for the good of the Whole Operation. Now as I said before, this love has its own proper object and outlet. That is why we have humans. And then there is that other side of Love, which is calming and soothing, and which nurtures, and reassures, and accepts and supports and gives strength. This love too has its own proper object and outlet. That is why we have animals.
"To sum up (since you don't seem terribly bright): Consolations are for animals; expectations are for humans.
"Any questions?"
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