The enemies of love

the long version

In this work combining rare spiritual insight and practical wisdom the author is concerned with human love and particularly the love between man and women. In his own words, Dom Aelred's purpose is "to show that human love (if rightly understood) is divine love translated into terms of human experience". Beginning with an analysis of love he discusses the awareness and growth of love and then enters into detail regarding its "enemies"--Selfishess, the root ; anxiety and insecurity ' self-indulgence and false romanticism. In tracing the dangers that wreck happiness both before and after marriage true love is shown as constant giving. The means of overcoming the dangers to happiness are outlined, and unrequited love, loneliness in love, and the asceticism of love are considered. A final chapter on the triump of love on the human level as a preparation for and pattern of that love of God which is the norm of the spiritual life and its necessary completion. In this work Dom Aelred writes for ordinary people, particularly for those just beginning to discover their emotions, who are seeking a way through the maze of personal affections and day-to-day encounters to a center that is sure and constant.