To love completely means to accept the other as they are. It’s a simple idea, but it’s the hardest work you’ll ever do in any relationship. Let’s break down why this is the secret to real connection.
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Meaning
The core message is that true love requires letting go of your personal blueprint for another person and embracing their authentic self, quirks and all.
Explanation
Look, we’ve all been there. You meet someone and you see this incredible potential. You think, “Wow, if they just did this, or stopped doing that, they’d be perfect.” And that’s the trap. That’s not love; that’s a project. What Coelho is talking about is the radical act of putting down your own expectations. It’s about seeing the person in front of you, not the idealized version you’ve built in your head. It’s a shift from trying to control to truly connecting. It’s the difference between loving the *idea* of someone and loving the actual, messy, human being they are.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | Portuguese (369) |
| Category | Relationship (329) |
| Topics | acceptance (73), love general (86), understanding (119) |
| Literary Style | philosophical (434), plain (102) |
| Emotion / Mood | gentle (183), warm (182) |
| Overall Quote Score | 81 (258) |
Origin & Factcheck
This quote comes straight from Paulo Coelho’s 2003 novel, “Eleven Minutes,” which is set primarily in Switzerland. It’s a powerful exploration of sex, love, and relationships. You’ll sometimes see this sentiment floating around attributed to other thinkers, but its true origin is right here in Coelho’s work.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Paulo Coelho (368) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | Eleven Minutes (47) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Contemporary (1615) |
| Original Language | Portuguese (369) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Paulo Coelho(1947) is a world acclaimed novelist known for his writings which covers spirituality with underlying human emotion with a profound storytelling. His transformative pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago inspired his breakthrough book, The Pilgrimage which is soon followed by The Alchemist< which went on to become the best seller. Through mystical narratives and introspective style, Paulo Coelho even today inspires millions of people who are seeking meaning and purpose in their life
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | To love completely means to accept the other as they are, not as we wish them to be |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 2003 (Brazil); ISBN: 978-0-06-058928-8; Latest Edition: HarperCollins 2004; 288 pages. |
| Where is it? | Chapter 39, Approximate page from 2003 edition |