Let’s talk about love. You know, that thing your Tita’s been breathing down your neck about? “When are you getting a boyfriend/girlfriend?”, “Kailan ka mag-aasawa?”, “Wala ka pa ring jowa?”. Ugh, I know, Tita, I know.
But it gets you thinking, right? May forever nga ba? Is there really someone out there for everyone? Or are we all just setting ourselves up for heartbreak?
Look, I’m not some love guru, and I definitely don’t have all the answers (kahit tinatanong din ako ni Mama ng same questions). But I’ve been around the block a few times, seen some things, both the kilig and the saklap. So let’s break this down, get real, and figure out this whole “forever” thing.
Why We Even Ask “May Forever Ba?”
Think about it. Growing up, we’re bombarded with images and stories of “forever” love. Disney movies, romantic comedies, even those cheesy Wattpad stories your classmate can’t stop reading. They paint this picture-perfect image of finding “The One” and living happily ever after.
But then, real life hits you like a jeepney swerving into the wrong lane:
- You see couples breaking up around you. Maybe it’s your high school sweethearts, your favorite celebrity couple, or even your own parents.
- You experience your own share of heartbreak. That first love that turned into first heartbreak? Oof, we’ve all been there.
- You start to see the challenges of relationships. It’s not all romantic dates and holding hands. It’s compromises, arguments, and figuring things out even when it’s tough.
So, naturally, you start questioning everything. May forever nga ba talaga? Or is it just a nice idea we tell ourselves to avoid facing the possibility of being alone or getting hurt?
The Case For “Forever” (And Why It’s Not Always Sunshine And Rainbows)
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a sucker for a good love story. And deep down, I do believe in the possibility of lasting love. But we need a reality check, mga bes.
Here’s the truth: Forever doesn’t just magically happen. It’s not some fairy tale ending where you find your Prince Charming or your Maria Elena and boom, you’re set for life.
Building a lasting relationship takes work. A LOT of work. Think of it like your favorite plant. You need to nurture it, water it consistently, give it sunshine, maybe even sing to it (don’t judge).
Here’s the deal with “forever”:
- It’s a choice, not a guarantee. You wake up every day and choose your partner, even when it’s hard.
- It requires constant effort. Communication, compromise, understanding – it’s an ongoing process.
- It’s about growing together, not just existing together. People change, life throws curveballs. A strong relationship adapts and evolves.
So yeah, “forever” is possible. But it’s not about finding some perfect person. It’s about finding someone you’re willing to work on a relationship with, through thick and thin, kilig and away-bati moments.
What If It Doesn’t Last Forever? Does That Mean It Failed?
This is where we need to talk about the pressure society puts on us. We’re conditioned to believe that if a relationship doesn’t last “forever,” it’s a failure.
But here’s a truth bomb: Not all relationships are meant to last forever, and that’s okay.
Think about it:
- People change. What you wanted five years ago might not be what you want now. And that’s okay!
- Life throws curveballs. Sometimes, life takes you in different directions. It happens.
- Not all love stories have fairytale endings. But they can still be beautiful, meaningful chapters in your life.
The end of a relationship doesn’t mean you failed. It just means that chapter has closed, and a new one is about to begin. It hurts, for sure. Heartbreak is real, and you’re allowed to feel all the feels.
But don’t let the fear of heartbreak keep you from experiencing love altogether.
So, Ano Na? May Forever Ba Talaga?
Honestly, there’s no easy answer. If someone tells you they have it all figured out, they’re probably lying.
But here’s what I know:
- Love is a powerful force. It can bring immense joy, comfort, and growth.
- Relationships, whether they last a lifetime or a season, teach us valuable lessons. About ourselves, about love, about what we want and deserve.
- Don’t let the pressure of “forever” stop you from opening yourself up to love. Take chances, be vulnerable, and see where life takes you.
At the end of the day, the concept of “forever” is what you make it. It’s not about finding a guaranteed happy ending. It’s about embracing the journey, learning, growing, and cherishing the connections you make along the way.
So, go out there, be open to love, and who knows? Maybe you’ll find your own version of “forever,” whatever that may look like for you.