[Unedited] Alain de Botton with Krista Tippett
On Being with Krista Tippett
Realism in Relationships and Love
Understanding the evolution of love in somebody's personality is essential in relationships. Breaking the romantic view is crucial as the romantic is the enemy of love. Marriage is a hopeful, generous, infinitely kind gamble taken by two people who bind themselves to a future they cannot conceive. It's vital to acknowledge complexity and realism, rather than solely focusing on romantic ideals. It's not about reducing expectations in love, but trying to find a way to reach those expectations through effort and understanding. Leaving a relationship should be considered when the partner truly causes difficulties, but staying might be more beneficial if the problems are attributed to existence or within oneself, as encountering life's pain with a partner doesn't necessarily mean it's because of the partner.
