knowing

We've all heard it said that "love is blind". I suppose that means that when one is in love, he is blind to the flaws of the other. That is quite true of a blossoming romance, that time when we put our best foot forward, hoping not to reveal those things about ourselves that we consider to be less than desireable. But being a "blind" lover really is just setting oneself up for a very rude awakening. I rather prefer this perspective of Tom Stoppard: "Love is knowing and being known." It implies completeness, openness and honesty which lend themselves well to a phrase that should be reserved for love that runs deep and true: "I love everything about you!"