Can love be real without sincerity? Most would agree that sincerity is what makes love what it is. Genuine love is true. And it is true love that we all want. We want to know we are sincerely loved for who we are. We want to know that it is with sincere motives that those who love us say and do the things they do for us. We want to know a love that enables us to trust without fear of being unloved and rejected. We want a love that remains loyal and faithful to us no matter what happens. We want to be loved sincerely. And that is how others want to be loved by us as well.
Sincerity is most evident when we are honest and truthful with others. It requires us to be our true selves rather than manipulate others into believing we are someone we’re really not. No one likes to be lied to or deceived. Lies and deception destroy trust. Betrayal of trust is probably the worst relationship pain we can experience. Without trust, relationships do not have a strong and solid foundation upon which to be built. Without trust we may question and doubt that we are truly loved. It is only when there is trust that we feel safe enough to open up our hearts to others and grow more sincere in our love.
Sincerity communicates love. When we are sincere we:
In real love you want the other person’s good. In romantic love, you want the other person. ~Margaret Anderson
A relationship built on anything but trust and sincerity is like a house built on shifting sand.
Can be counted on to be honest and trustworthy
Remain faithful and keep our word—making only promises that we can keep
Are dependable and consistent in our words and actions
Mean what we say and do not mislead with lies
Are motivated by love that is genuine
Can be our real selves and not be phony
Will not deceive others for our own selfish means
Do not flatter others to get our way
Do not take advantage of others’ ignorance or innocence
Have integrity and exemplify good morals
Love that is sincere is the real thing. It remains faithful in the face of betrayal. It is trustworthy regardless of others’ dishonesty. Its motives are pure and not corrupted by self-centeredness. Sincerity is a profession of love that is true.
What does it mean to be loved sincerely or genuinely?
Do I believe I am sincerely loved? By whom? How do I know?
Can love be true without honesty? Why or why not?
What motivates me most to say and do the things I do for others?
In what ways am I not my true self and give a false impression of who I am?
Can others trust me to mean what I say when I compliment them or share my thoughts and feelings?
Think about people you would describe as sincere. Does their sincerity enable you to trust them more? Why or why not?
