Love and Pain Because Why Not Suffer a Little
By Nakul Manchanda
May 24, 2025 • Fact checked by Dumb Little Man
Let’s talk about love and pain, shall we? They are the chaotic best friends that always roll in together, whether you invited them or not. Love and pain are like the peanut butter and jelly of human emotion—sweet and sticky, but sometimes you choke a little. And no matter how many times you swear you're done, here comes another round. We act surprised every time, like, “Oh my god, I didn’t see that heartbreak coming.” Girl, yes you did.
It’s like we’re all out here playing emotional roulette and betting everything on red hearts. And the gag is, we keep spinning. Why? Because despite the pain, love still feels like magic. Even if it burns, we crave that spark.
The Sweet Agony of Love
Love is beautiful, yes. But don’t be fooled—it’s also exhausting. It’s not just hearts and flowers; it’s compromise, vulnerability, and sacrifice. Sometimes, it's feeling like you're giving everything just to get crumbs back. That’s love. And let’s not forget the waiting—waiting for texts, for commitment, for them to get their act together. Ugh.
But oh, when it hits right? When someone sees you, all of you, and stays? That’s the kind of love that makes the pain worth it. And let’s be real—the drama of it all? A little addictive. We love a good mess. It makes us feel alive. And anyone who tells you love is easy has either never loved or is straight up lying. Period.
Why Do We Keep Coming Back for More?
Why do we keep walking into love like we don’t know it might end in disaster? Simple: the high. The connection. The belief that this time, maybe, just maybe, it’ll be the real deal. And honestly, we love the potential. We romanticize the growth, the healing, the ride-or-die fantasies.
We convince ourselves they’re just “a little emotionally unavailable” instead of seeing the red flags waving in 4K. We’re not dumb—we’re hopeful. We’re dreamers with trust issues. And even when we get hurt, we dust ourselves off, block the ex, cry a little, then swipe right like our heart doesn’t have a scratch.
Pain: Love's Unwanted Plus-One
You didn’t ask for it, but it came anyway. Pain. The awkward guest who overstays their welcome. Love hurts when you’re misunderstood, when your efforts go unnoticed, or when your heart gets broken in slow motion. It hurts when they ghost you after saying they “really felt a connection.” Excuse me?
But pain also teaches. It says, “Hey, maybe next time don’t fall for the guy who only texts after 10 PM.” Or “Girl, that situationship? It was never real.” Growth. Development. Emotional abs. That’s what pain gives us. It strengthens your boundaries, sharpens your intuition, and forces you to finally delete his number. For real this time. Hopefully.
The Beautiful Mess of It All
Love and pain together make us human. One without the other? Flat. Boring. The truth is, love alone doesn’t transform us—love with pain does. It sharpens you. It helps you love better, not harder. The messy, chaotic, beautiful reality of real connection is what builds empathy, wisdom, and yes, more self-awareness than a year of therapy.
And let’s be honest, the mess is part of the charm. The awkward first fights, the silly arguments over nothing, the “I’m sorry I was hangry” moments. All that? That’s where the intimacy grows. Love isn’t just Sunday brunches and couple selfies. It’s showing up when it’s ugly. When it’s real. And still choosing each other.
You May Also Want To Read: Examples of Boundaries in a Relationship That Keep Things Fun
Embrace the Chaos
Relationships aren’t supposed to be picture-perfect. If someone told you otherwise, they lied. Real love is learning how to argue respectfully, how to sit in silence without it feeling awkward, and how to show up even when it’s inconvenient. That’s where the good stuff is.
So yeah, suffer a little. It’s part of the deal. Just make sure it’s the kind of suffering that leads to growth—not a permanent state. Don’t sit in toxic just because you’re scared to start over. Newsflash: loneliness is better than being with someone who drains your soul. Full stop.
What Even Is Love Anymore?
In today’s world, love often looks like Instagram posts and couple goals. But deep love? That’s not for show. It’s holding someone’s hand through their darkest days. Most probably, it's knowing their flaws and not using them as ammo. It’s not a transaction—you give without a scoreboard.
Because the moment love becomes about who did more? It turns into a game no one wins. Love is not 50/50. Some days it’s 80/20. Some days it’s “I’m running on fumes and just need a nap.” It’s a dance, not a contract. So stop treating it like one.
Loving Without Losing Yourself
Here’s the thing—love isn’t about attachment. That’s where so many people trip. Real love says, “I want the best for you,” not, “I need you to complete me.” That whole “you complete me” line? Cute in movies, toxic in real life. You should be whole already. Your partner is the bonus, not the bandaid.
If you need them to validate your worth, that’s not love—that’s dependency. And baby, you deserve better than being someone’s emotional crutch. Be your own home first. Then let love walk in.
Love Requires Guts
Loving someone deeply requires serious courage. It means taking the risk of being seen, being hurt, and still choosing to open up. Not everyone can do it. And honestly? That’s okay. But if you want a love that actually lasts, you’ve got to stop treating every relationship like a 30-day free trial.
Commit. Even when it’s not convenient. Even when it’s not cute. That’s where the real stuff is. Anyone can fall in love. Few can stay in it. So if you’re gonna do it—do it with your whole chest.
Final Thoughts: Suffer Smart
So, why not suffer a little? Because if love is going to shake you, let it also shape you. Feel all of it—the good, the bad, the I-can’t-stand-you-but-I-still-love-you moments. That’s where the magic is.
Don’t run from the pain. Dance with it. Let it teach you. And remember: you can be madly in love and still keep your standards. You can give your heart without handing over your dignity.
And please, don’t let fear of pain rob you of the joy of love. Fear is loud, but love? Love is louder. Now go love like you mean it—and maybe suffer a little while you’re at it. Just make sure it's the kind of pain that makes you stronger, not smaller.
You’ve got this. Duh.