Trust is one of the most basic qualities of love. 

We need to know that we are safe, that others 

want our well being, and that they 

desire us to grow. 

 

We crave the knowledge that people are there for us.

 Until we receive this message from others, we are

 less open to their influence and we become, 

in turn, less concerned about 

their welfare. 

 

We are forever putting people to the test to see

 whether they truly love us or not. 

 

We watch to see if they are thoughtful, if they give themselves 

freely of if they hold back, if they are listening to us 

with their hearts as well as with their minds,

 if they are sharing our happiness or

 being threatened by it, if they are

 willing to stand by us when we

 need them or abandon us

 at the least sign

 of conflict.

 

 

Once we are certain of their love, anything becomes 

possible. We are encouraged to grow and risk 

beyond our imagined limitations. 

 

We find the strength to overcome our fears 

or break self-destructive habits.

 

We see our way to giving up grudges or expressing

 repressed feelings or even offering

 a painful apology. 

 

These minor miracles all become possible

 when we are secure and trust in love.

 

 

 

Leo Buscaglia

Born for Love -Reflections on Loving