The Triangle

by Paulo Coelho on July 5, 2009

One week ago I posted a Forum on soulmates and we had over 1.000 comments.
But love has no rules, and sometimes you may fall in love with the same intensity with two different people. Then you are facing something that you didn’t expect and this affects your life. So this week the forum is about the Triangle, falling in love with two people, at the same time with the same intensity. Please share your opinions and experiences here.
Love
Paulo

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{ 979 comments… read them below or add one }

Pandora July 13, 2009 at 10:00 pm

Isn’t this image normally also typified by the three of swords, piercing a heart with clouds over head in the Tarot?

That is a harsh soul lesson.

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Savita Vega July 14, 2009 at 2:12 am

You described it perfectly:
http://www.tarotteachings.com/images/ThreeOfSwords.jpg

But I also believe that there is no card in the Tarot deck that is inherently negative or bad. The situations that arise in our lives arise for a reason and that reason is always to help us along our path of spiritual evolution. So, one way to look at it is, no matter what situation comes our way or how “negative” it may seem, buried within that situation is a doorway to growth. We always have the choice to either open that door and walk through it, or not. So, in the end, there is no inherently negative situation – it is all a matter of what we make of it, what response we adopt. In that view, even the soul-lessons that may seem harsh are actually there for our benefit.

ana maria July 13, 2009 at 9:48 pm

No puedes amar a dos personas a la vez Cuando empiezas una nueva relación sin haber terminado la otra, es porque ya no la amas como antes. Esa relación se transformó, tal vez en amistad, cariño, no se. pero ya no en amor. Pero lo que sucede es que por los convencionalismos, si estas casado, no puedes terminar la relación y empiezas un juego. Que a la vez es excitante y novedoso. Los seres humanos buscamos lo prohibido y muchas veces el amor se vuelvo eso. No puedes amar a dos personas.

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Michael Jordan July 13, 2009 at 9:41 pm

I have been in love with two women at the one time but never with the same intensity..
Having read the comments it would appear to be possible for this to happen, I would not have thought so before now..
I pray it never happens to me and that I never get caught as one side of such a triangle..
It would be a severe test of character and courage and one that I hope I never have to face..
Anyone in this position has my deepest sympathy and I pray that they will be given the tools necessary to resolve the situation they have found themselves in..

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Irina Black July 13, 2009 at 9:35 pm

Pendulum.Triangle as an eve’s cup can be either a blessing or a curse,depending on what will be done with it.

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Liisa July 13, 2009 at 9:29 pm

I just want to say I really love how this issue was dealt with in Brida. She didn’t do wrong to anyone, even though she allowed herself to go with both of her loves. She was truthful to her heart and I want to believe no wrong is done when one follows his or her heart. Of course this requires huge belief in love and much courage. “Jump and the safety net appears beneath you”, sorry cant remember who said that (it was in Julia Cameron’s “Golden Path” or “Artist’s Way”, but it might have been her quoting someone else).

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Savita Vega July 14, 2009 at 4:55 pm

Yes, Brida was true to herself, and when you are really true to yourself you can never bring harm others.

Rossana Curri July 13, 2009 at 9:01 pm

I am hugging you back, dear Annie!!

Love,

Rossana Curri

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liz July 13, 2009 at 8:58 pm

“Too much love will kill you”-Queen
I think this song says it all. You have to choose one day, doesnt matter how much YOU want both of them, both of them want only you. It hurts them if their love isnt enough for you,they defenately dont want to share.
Not that I have any personal experiences in that matter, its just something that came to my mind with this subject, and we are all asked to share our opinions here.

I dont think its wrong to love two at the same time,I really dont underestimate the pain and confusion all of them are feeling, I think people in that situation are very blessed and cursed at the same time. They learn so much from that pain they are going through.

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Michela July 13, 2009 at 8:54 pm

If you are involved in a triangle means that any of the two is completing you.
The men of our dream is In our dream, and still need to be created though.
Triangle can be passion,but not love,if you really are in love with someone,you ‘ll always have this someone in your head, and there will be no space for another one. because “the one” will create a feeling of overabundance in you that you won’t looking for a third !

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Josephine in Brussels July 13, 2009 at 8:36 pm

My first thought was about the music-instrument… the little triangle of metal which gives off such a clear sound.

Is there one triangle or many? Are the sides the same length?
often not, is an emotional relationship over internet to be counted or not? Are you in a triangle relationship when you spend a lot of time with a male friend and there is “platonic” love between you?

Recently I read about two couples who were living in open-relationships and/or triangle relationships – it even had a scientific term: “polyamourous” – one of them the woman altered between her two partners in the weeks, but she did not spend equal time with them both – the men were aware of each other but did not meet each other or befriend each other if I understood it right. They simply accepted her choice and seemed ok. with the situation.

But often I think triangles are created sadly enough – when one of the two feels neglected, when the spark is gone and is not coming back (and none of the two try to make time for it to come back either), when there is a lack of communication and listening then nr.3 comes in and listens/understands/brings back the light into the grey days. How easy is it not then to fall in love with such a saviour?

And nr.2 who feels something is going on will wake up and start fighting to protect what is “hers”, how difficult is it not then to leave what suddenly seem to be pretty nice?

I think triangle relationships seldom work out because we fear to loose our partner to the other, this fear transform into jealousy and so we build fences of rules around what love should be like.

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costea adian July 13, 2009 at 8:16 pm

intr-o zi Dumnezeu hotaraste sa trimita pe cineva pe pamant,pentru a readuce oamenii pe drumul spre lumina,spre intelepciune…cum pana atunci incercase sa trimita numai intelepti,filozofii care nu au reusit sa duca la bun sfarsit.asa ca El se gandeste la razboinic,deoarece doreste sa-i aduca pe oameni in zona suferintei,a singuratatii si a tristetii.-numai asa ii putea face pe oameni ce este iubirea,lumina si credinta.doreste insa folosirea celei mai periculoase arme.cand soseste razboinicul in fata Domnului,acesta il intreaba ce ar i-ar trebui pentru aceasta misiune.razboinicul dupa ce se gandeste ii raspunde:-Doamne,am nevoie de o arma care poate ucide sau poate lumina sufletul fara sa lase urme,am nevoie de puterea cuvantului..Dumnezeu este de acord si il trimite pe razboinic,iar pentru ca nimeni sa nu descopere puterea acestuia ii da cea mai frumoasa infatisare posibila…pe pamant,razboinicul incearca sa-i loveasca pe oameni cu puterea cuvantului-reuseste pentru o preioada de timp,dar deodata cu ziua in care ceva neprevazut se intampla-razboinicul se intalneste cu o fata de care se indragosteste nebuneste.ii spune numai cuvinte de iubire,de dragoste profunda,incercand sa-i explice drumul sufletului spre forta suprema.cei doi se casatoresc,iar intr-o noapte razboinicul e auzit de sotia lui in timpul unui ritual in care ii blesteama pe cei care nu vad lumina catre Dumnezeu-in acele momente totul se prabuseste peste razboinic,deoarece sotia lui ii spune ca Dumnezeu exista in fiecare inima,in fiecare suflet,si el nu trebuie asadar cautat-toti il iubesc si il admira,dar uneori,din dorinta de a-i arata cat de puternici sunt,il necajesc…niciodata nu trebuie sa blestemi,deoarece aceasta nu este o metoda buna..intre timp stapanul universului,al timpulu si spatiului,era curios de aventura razboinicului pe pamant..asa ca decide sa-l cheme la regatul sau ceresc-razboinicul ii spune ca nu trebuie sa-si faca griji,deoarece in iubire se afla chipul sau,intelepciunea sa….Dumnezeu il felicita pentru cele descoperite si ii multumeste-spunandu-i ca ii va indeplini o dorinta-razboinicul spune imediat-Doamne,eu nu sunt cel mai bun razboinic,deoarece am gasit o arma care m-a invins,si desi aceasta arma m-a ranit,vreau sa mai traiesc din nou momentele acelea in toiul luptei-vreau sa mai iubesc,sa mai traiesc macar o viata pe pamant,in compania sotiei mele.nu ma lasa sa mor ,nu ma lasa sa sufar stiind ca va fi atat de trista fara mine-atunci Domnul s-a ridicat-esti cel mai bun razboinic,deoarece ai descoperit iubirea…du-te pe pamant si fi fericit,te voi astepta sa vii sa ma ajuti dupa aceasta vacanta pe planeta visurilor…http://adikady.forumgratuit.ro/forum.htm

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costea adian July 14, 2009 at 11:26 am

magnifica poezia….ai talent,felicitari…iti marturisesc ca ai aprins in inima mea faclara sacra a iubirii..

Heaven'slovetriangle July 13, 2009 at 7:58 pm

Writting this makes me feel better. Thank you Paulo.

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Heaven'slovetriangle July 13, 2009 at 7:56 pm

I don’t know what kind of lesson life wants me to lern but this is really not nice.

So life tells you you are to have two men in your life, one blond and one older with white hair, A GOD MADE TRIANGLE!!!? lol In the meantime you love someone else so you think it’s all crap.
They further tell you to forget that man bcs he is a demon and he will destroy your life. You are so in love and just can’t believe anything so you forget about everything.

Tears and years later you forget the ^demonic^ guy. Then suddenly you meet a blond guy who instantly connects with you and sweeps you off your feet. For one magical night the world stops and everything makes sense, but then you loose it and can’t remember anything else. Turns out the guy is married and has a crazy life, so you think better like this. But a voice orders you to write to him, so you listen to it and then the worst experience of a woman’s life begins. Three more tormented and drainning years of my life with a ghost on the internet asking you to wait for him and telling you he loves you, which you believe because the energy is there and you feel it too. The love turns into hate, then into disgust and then into indifference to then go back to just hurt. Makes you bitter and depressed. You feel caged in the worst game you ever played having your heart bleed over and over again.
All the while there’s a guy who fits the description of the older with white hair who enters your life also in the most messed up way. You don’t have any feeling for him as you never met but he also torments you saying you are his soulmate but he’s married. They are both spying on you and following you around, destroying you bit by bit and just indifferent to what they are doing.

What is wrong with these guys? What is this some sourt of really bad dream?

The devil won, you stay with your demonic wife and I go back to mine. As for the older guy, GROW UP.

My ^soulmates^ destroyed my dreams, I lost hope in them. Thank you God for the woderful love triangle you gifted me with!!!!!

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Ilva Asote July 13, 2009 at 7:35 pm

***

Shantay is an old man. Like the Indians, he loves to tie up his black horsetail in a knot. People think he is the strangest man in the village. I think he is the strangest man in all the world.
July 12, 2009 .
- Shantay, what would you say if I fell in love with two different men at the same time?
He looked at me (just as he used to look) then leaned down to whisper in my ear:
- Saaremaa…
- What???
- The land of island.
- Shantay, please, stop joking!
- I’m not joking. You would turn into Saaremaa. And as from ancient times men fight for lands and power, now both of them would fight for you! The Winner would give you his Love, but the Loser – would leave his Blood.

***
I’m not sure if Shantay knows the meaning of my name “Ilva”. It’s a place name and means the island Elba in Tuscany (Italy).

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elisabeth delage July 14, 2009 at 9:12 am

hi, this is a really wise story,with a few words there is all,great!!

Ilva Asote July 15, 2009 at 1:20 am

Dear Luminita,
It reminded me of Francisco Goya, the Duchess of Alba and two of Goya’s masterpieces “The Naked Maja” and “The Clothed Maja”. You see, he loved them both equally! :)

rastasuphi July 13, 2009 at 7:32 pm

“Se eu te amo e tu me amas
Um amor a dois profana
O amor de todos os mortais”

human nature can be a triangle like abraão,sara and agar, or a square like regina case in the movie “eu, tu, eles”.

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Elaine M.Aoki July 13, 2009 at 7:22 pm

Situação difícil mas nada impossível. Quem foi que determinou que só fosse possível amar uma pessoa por vez? Será que nosso coração está realmente disposto a obedecer esta regra que nem foi ele mesmo quem criou?
Como tantas outras dificuldades que encontramos em nosso caminho, esta é mais uma com certeza que pode acontecer. Talvez seja necessária uma escolha. Talvez seja um momento passageiro…mas se não for, terá que ser vivido até percebermos o que é melhor para nós mesmos. Amarmos em silêncio, viver os dois amores…é questão de escolha pessoal de cada um.

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meire July 13, 2009 at 7:21 pm

In any love triangle there will always be a person who is more beloved than the other,never the same two intensity.And finally, there is always someone who will lose sooner or later,someone who will hurt in the relationship.Not worth it.

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Asif July 13, 2009 at 11:34 pm

Thanks meire as i am also thinking the same way. It is almost impossible to justify love with the two; though at times we found ourselves in love with two persons with same intensity (we feel as there is no cardinal measurement of love.
Here is a poem by Cutelilme “3 of Us”

Here we are, the 3 of us
Who knew it would end up one big fuss?

You hang out with her, then call me
You act like I don’t even see.

What you want is too much to ask for,
nothing was good enough- you always wanted more.

You broke my heart, you made me cry
All you did was cheat and lie.

The 3 of us are now singles… her, you, and me.
Now that you’ve lost both of us, I hope you finally see.

I should be enough for you,
So never make the same mistake of 3,
… just keep it 2.

Nicolette July 13, 2009 at 7:04 pm

Falling in love with two people at the same time, with the same intensity? I suppose in this internet dating age we’re going through, it’s possible to fall in love, from afar, from the keyboard of ones computer with two different people with the same intensity! I don’t believe that it’s sustainable, what comes to mind is the woman blindfolded holding the scale of justice, trying to balance both sides. I suppose if you have reached a place of balance with the various aspects of a relationship, that you don’t give one more credence than the other, the physical, spiritual and intellectual, then if you find that intensity in one or more people, for different aspects of a relationship, perhaps it would work, but that wouldn’t be the same, would it? One would be giving you the intense physical experience, the other perhaps spiritual, then you’d have to find a third for the intellectual, to keep it the same intensity.

I’ve met too many men who are indecisive, who use their primary relationship for comfort not growth. It’s a cop out to say, I love you both the same, loving and being in love are two different things. As a young girl I felt love was a very big responsability, that if I were to say, I love you, it should have great import, that I should be willing to travel the distance, if I couldn’t then I shouldn’t be throwing that word around. As I grew older I learned that you can love many people, few are those that you’re in love with, so I can love many people with the same intensity but not be in love with more than one with the same intensity. The ability to differentiate the two, opened me up to loving.

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B*Sofie July 13, 2009 at 6:51 pm

If I were to come in such a situation
I guess what would be important to me
is – chosing ONE of them!

The one who`ll make me GROW – in love
& passion & at the same time
would `go` with my calling & mission in life

This might take some time to figure out
& in that matter I guess morality
would be a natural guideline along the way

Like the flowing river*

Good luck to all of you Triangle-people*

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Mags July 13, 2009 at 6:45 pm

13 Years married to my sole mate. 13 years ago “thought” I was in love with two men. The 1 was Infatuation, the other was my sole mate. Thank Heaven I made the right decision.

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Lost and stillnotfound July 13, 2009 at 6:30 pm

Hello Paulo,
I just answered to your monday quote on twitter (i’m not using the same name though).

I go through this situation right now. I love my husband because he has all the qualities I desired in a man and because I married him when I was very young (he was my first love) and I’m used to our life.
Now, and 10 years after, I met a man. The mature and grown up woman in me found in him what she’s looking for at this stage of her life. I started this relationship thinking that I will NOT fall in love. But I did! In this triangle, as much as love can be passionate and beautiful it’s a big source of suffering and confusion.
I don’t think we can love both at the same intensity… I think if we take the time to really think, we would find out that our love for both persons is not the same; because each one provides us with something different than the other.

This is a tormenting situation because I have to lie, to sneak, to live my love hiding; where I NEVER DID BEFORE. I love being with man #2; I live with him the most intense memorable moments of my life… but he may not be ready to commit and he would never treat me as my husband does… At the time I don’t want to hurt my husband by leaving him (he would litteraly die!) and he is the source of confort (morally), he’s a very good caring man and he ADORES ME!!

I know that I will have to choose eventually. Society requires that we be with only one partner at a time… In reality, it’s a little logical, beause otherwise we would be compared to animals, living through our animal instincts.

So yes living love through a triangle is not easy. I always thought that people who allow themselves to go through it are bad, hypocrits, liars, etc… Now that I live it, I learnt so much about human nature, about love, about passion, about life… The 1st lesson is: NEVER JUDGE PEOPLE WHO HAVE 2 PERSONS IN THEIR LIFE!

Thank you,

Lostandstillnotfound

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Lilian July 13, 2009 at 6:26 pm

As I do not believe in THE ONE BIG Love, I agree that it is very possible to genuinely love two people at the same time. I cant remember who said the following (might have been Mr Coelho),but I dont believe that you can own other people, whether in love or not. Nor can your heart be owned by just one other person. That might be hard to accept. As individuals we share things with different people and the possibility for attraction, love and passion is always there. There are so many possible lives for each human out there, it feels like a waste not to stop and look from time to time whether you are still satisfied with the life you have choosen. It is your most personal choice which kind of morals you will follow once you find yourself in that triangle situation – either to pursue that part of yourself that is being sought and attracted by a new love or holding yourself back looking for other ways to find out why such a situation occurs at this point in your life at all. I dont even think its depending on the morals of your partner, at the moment of decision its just about whats going on inside your heart. Once decided of course you will let your partner know if you genuinely love each other.

Having siad that, in my personal experience time told which of the loves (there were 3 men actually) is the one I neeeded to choose to follow my heart in a romantic sense. Neither path would have been easy. That does not mean though that I have stopped loving the other men. We still share a bond that is unique and not wasted even though the ways of our lifes have gone opposite routes.

And of course I agree, the emotional chaos that goes with it marks us and defines who we are. However difficult I would not act differently than I did.

sorry if I double posted..

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MIT July 13, 2009 at 5:51 pm

Al final uno de los dos gana la batalla en el corazón

He estado en esa situación de amar a dos personas al mismo tiempo. Le hice esa pregunta a un amigo y amante a la vez, a quien amo. El me dijo que al final una de las dos personas es la que sale ganando nuestro corazón. No me atreví a preguntarle si le ha sucedido y si he sido yo quien ganó la batalla con el corazón.

El pensó que me había embarazado, y yo estaba segura que no. Pero en lo que investigaba esa probabilidad. En el fondo no quería quedar embarazada de el, si no de la otra persona a quien amo, y fue ahí donde me dí cuenta a quien amo más……. (por un momento). A la persona que mi corazón ama mas, con esta solamente estoy compartiendo, nada de sexo, solamente ver películas, hablar, pasear, descansar juntos y cocinar. Con la otra persona, converso, vemos películas, salimos a beber un vino, y hacemos el amor de la forma como nunca lo he realizado, con el corazón, el cuerpo y el alma.

Pienso que la posibilidad de embarazo, asustó a mi corazón y por eso se inclinó hacia un lado, ahora estoy segura que es cierto lo que dice mi amigo y amante, que al final una de las dos personas sale ganando la batalla con el corazón, y estoy segura que en el mío sería el.

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Pegasus July 13, 2009 at 5:47 pm

love u too annie..
sorry if you hurt when u see me hurting

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Rado July 13, 2009 at 5:41 pm

I know that somebody can be in love with 2 persons at the same time. It happened to me a long time ago, at high school. But, I still remember both if them.

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irena July 13, 2009 at 5:34 pm

Hello Paulo :)

I have never been in this kind of situation, but in my opinion, when a love becomes my biggest problem it is the most beautiful problem I can get.

from all my love

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Rossana Curri July 13, 2009 at 5:29 pm

I have been in love with two men at the same time, yet in different ways.

Is it right or wrong? That’s what we always wonder.

The society has decided IT IS wrong, for the strength of the society itself lies in its stability, based on the traditional family.

I guess it’s up to us to decide whether it’s right or wrong: if all the people involved in the triangle are being honest and true to each other, and nobody gets hurt, but love can spread all around… why should it be wrong?

And we are back to a previous topic in this blog that was about RULES: who is entitled to make rules for our life?

I have also been part of triangle where one man was in a relationship with two different women, and eventually I decided to put it to an end, because the other woman did not know about me – so the situation was totally unfair.

I did not want her to get hurt by something she has not accepted – or, in other words, by my selfish behaviour. I also hated the fact that, because of me, she was told lies every day.

I felt guilty and, at the same time, disrespected – and the other woman was disrespected even more.

If the triangle turns into something that prevents us from being the best person we can be… then leave it, and live honestly and truthfully.

Love,

Rossana Curri

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Sergio July 13, 2009 at 5:22 pm

Amar no es cosa de números. No saber en qué consiste el amor -una potencia del alma que se dispone a dar y a recibir, incluso de uno mismo-, no distinguir entre las clases de amor -ágape, filia, eros…-, desconocer el sentido cultural de la poligamia o la poliandría, la función de la religión… puede llevarnos a pensar erróneamente.
El hombre, para combatir su soledad y miedo, necesita del otro, no sólo por ser un animal social. Esta necesidad es mayor en algunas personas, una necesidad que a veces adquiere la forma de riesgo, violencia o crueldad. He conocido algunos casos así, personas con pulsiones masoquistas y sadomasoquistas. Otras ocultan la agresividad y, en su lugar, hacen extensiva la manifestación de cariño. Estas personas no sacian su sed de afecto con una persona; necesitan de otras constantemente. Mantienen relaciones sexuales insatisfactorias con dos, tres o más personas, a veces de ambos sexos. Aunque queramos ver en ello un misterio o no se nos oculte la satisfacción y la soberbia de ellos porque pueden hacerlo, nada de esto es amor, según pienso.

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Dawn July 13, 2009 at 5:16 pm

I am married and in love with my husband. I have met a few other men who I found attractive and even fantasized about, but I always recognized that it was about lust, and never put my wholesome, prescious relationship with my husband in jeapordy. It’s absolutely vital to be able to tell the difference between fascination/attraction and real love.

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Maggie July 13, 2009 at 4:06 pm

Though the feelings would have the same intensity, they would vary in culture and mood and tone and have a different effect on you.

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adry July 13, 2009 at 3:38 pm

pienso que uno no puede querer a dos personas de la misma manera ,a una de seguro la necesita ,a la otra te ata otra cosa ,sea sexo,sea obligacion ,sea culpa ,compromiso,agradecimiento,muchas veces confundimos los sentimientos segun lo que vivimos.
pero si se puede tener una vida “completa”con alguien y amar a otra ,o sentirse mejor o necesitar a otra,porque esta otra te brinda paz .pero cuando esto pasa ,es porque con la persona con la que se vive se termino la afinidad y solo guardamos un gran cariño.
pero no esta bien ser infiel,no es placentero menos si la otra persona confia en nosotros ,porque por mas que ella no se entere ,si la queremos y la respetamos un poco ,siempre es mejor la verdad,por mas que lastime.

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Rain July 13, 2009 at 3:37 pm

In the United States, it is called polyamory when it can be made public– which is rarely. To not only have the triangle but to have all three parties aware of it. I wrote something in general about it in a blog of my own: http://rainydaythought.blogspot.com/2009/06/what-they-feared.html.

When it is a relationship between the three, where there is honesty, then I do not think there is the damage that lies cause. It is also rare because humans are not encouraged to be open to their feelings. Religion has often dictated what must be and the religion is defined by a power structure. Very much I believe it can happen and does. Also that the love sometimes is different for how you would feel for the second lover as we are all individuals.

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Savita Vega July 14, 2009 at 4:09 am

You offer a very refreshing view on the subject, Rain, and I couldn’t agree more. I didn’t know there was a word for it though, although I’ve known some people who followed this model and seemed to be very happy with it. Simple honesty has great power. It seems that when we can be completely honest with ourselves and with our partner(s) we are able to get through all kind of situations without the pain that we would normally associate with and experience in these circumstances.

Here are a couple of articles by Paul Lowe, who is a great advocate of this model termed as “polyamory”:

http://www.paullowe.org/ftp/jeaousy_english.pdf

http://www.newrealities.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=381&Itemid=191

Alexandra July 13, 2009 at 3:13 pm

Hi. I love your look, dear Paulo, today you so bright. The white suits you too, not only black. tc
Love
Alexandra

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Alexandra July 13, 2009 at 3:06 pm

ok. That is a situation that only a person lived is able to believe and to understand the drama and the intensity of the feeling. I think is possible that a person love two persons in a powerful way, I would never say ” in the same way”, because is never the same way. I think is a pain, for all involved. Is no way to get out without being hurt or live the relation happily. I think maybe I was near to live such. But, if I had to chose, forced, I saw that it was one the person to which I did not want to let go. At no cost. More, I was the one in a triangle, time ago. My lover confessed he was married while I was already in love . That is too late. He swear he stay only for kids, that wife is ill, so on. I tired to give up, but I believed his words, that he loves me in his own way. He even cried. After years of assurances, doubts, sometimes I cried each day thinking he was with the other woman. Or I felt guilty. But I was faithful to him. What for? It arrived the moment of the true one day. As I already saw in dreams. He just left me without a word. Without an explanation. Not even after years he dont say what was the reason, he just said I was always the best lover, the most kind and sexy and sweet. That nothing changed…??? Nothing? Oh, now I doubt he ever loved me a second. Sometimes I hate him, but with him I lived the most wonderful moments too. Now I know a person who might be the right man. I pray it is. I want a calm, decent, couple life. To be faithful but to be respected too. Love should never bring pain.

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Marlene July 13, 2009 at 3:00 pm

In my opinion the state of loving somebody (in a romantic relationship) excludes every other love of the same kind. The nature of love is egoistical and actually doesn’t allow anybody to come ‘to close’. What I might understand is that people do find other people attractive, of course, but there is no room for anybody if your heart is already ‘occupied’. Only if you aren’t confident of your present love you allow others to enter..but in that case you don’t truly love neither the first nor the other…

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Biombo July 13, 2009 at 2:55 pm

Querido Paulo,
You are wearing a white shirt! I don’t think I have ever seen you in a white shirt. I read somewhere that you choose to only wear black shirts. Why the change?
abrazos!

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Paulo Coelho July 13, 2009 at 3:56 pm

I bought some white shirts.

meire July 13, 2009 at 7:31 pm

White and blue, too.Very beautiful!!

Monika July 13, 2009 at 11:05 pm

Well, my husband wears always shirts when he goes out. – In my opinion most men look better in shirts than in T-shirts. Of course it’s hard work to iron them, therefore I always put them for a short time into the dryer then at once on a hanger. You will be astonished – they are perfectly flat!

Hey, what’s that???
I cannot believe it – I am right in the middle of a housewives coffee party!
Can I please have another piece of cake?
:-)))

Monika July 14, 2009 at 4:49 pm

More discipline now, Monika! Back to the primary theme “triangle”:
I know I am not unresistant to fall in love with somebody else, but
in case of doubt I would decide for my husband. Nobody else could replace him, because of all the collective memories we have, all the fun we had together and first of all because of all the difficulties we survived together in life.

Fabrício July 13, 2009 at 2:44 pm

Olá Paulo,
Isso nunca aconteceu comigo, não saberia o que falar..
Abraços grandes!

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Tania July 13, 2009 at 2:40 pm

Hmm Wrestling with the angles of our darkness is what brings the blessing in the end ..I think its pretty normal really -that you can love 2 people at the same time ,with the same intensity ..I think though it causes suffering to all involved -it makes the people involved think things like – between duty say and what we really want ,,in the end we grow up …so in the words of Bonhoeffer – Though he dies ,yet shall he live.
Blessings Tania

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candieb July 13, 2009 at 2:39 pm

Well,it did happen to me once but there’s never been the same intensity.So,I can’t really answer that.

One,I love him since always and I never met him or anything(soulmate?),so it’s way before the other that I met years ago and that I share life with.

One do not care or do not know that I exist or perhaps hates me(don’t know which one is worse),the other shares my life,loves me and answered to the question “do you believe in soulmate?” by “I don’t know but I believe in you.”so that tells you.

Now,I don’t know if some others love me or whatever,but there’s no space for that person in my life at the moment,what I can offer is friendship,this I’m always looking for.Friendships last,friendship’s great.

I wish for all the best,that the ones stuck in that mad triangle can be set free and take the right decisions.I wish you happiness.I know the pain that it can cause but sometimes,we have a blessing in front of our eyes and we can’t see it.Just one friend of mine came to me with the same problem,so it’s quite common,it happens.I wish you all that you can establish the part of truth and the part of illusion,cause love is blindness.I know easy to say and harder to do..

I love always love

All the rest is dust!

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Walaa July 13, 2009 at 2:36 pm

Now this is a good point!
I personally have never been involved in a love triangle where I love two people in the same way, but it does make sense to me on way or other; loving two people in two different ways, loving different things about them, but both equally at the same level.

I can only imagine how agonizing it must feel, wishing that these two people were the same person, then life would have been perfect. But we all know life is neither perfect or fair.

And so at the end, one person has to make a decision, which will end up hurting at least one person in that love-triangle.

Of course there is the ideal situation where both lovers agree to share the person they love, but reaching an agreement like this I believe is impossible. Whether you call it vanity or being selfish, I would not agree to “sharing” the man I love with someone else, even if it meant his utmost happiness.

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Carolena Sabah July 14, 2009 at 8:09 pm

Walaa, I completely understand you not wanting to share the man you love with anyone else. I’m very curious though, to see what would you do in this circumstance. Say the man you love is in a relationship with another woman. Yet he loves you as well. Would you let him go completely because he is with another woman, or would you still love him and want to be with him?

costea adian July 13, 2009 at 2:27 pm

Asteapta-ma,iubirea mea…,de nu ,te voi urma!
Si de ma vrei,voi spune….DA!
Caci tu ,nebunul meu iubit,esti soarele la rasrit…si luna cea nebuna!
Nu ma lasa,sa pling asa…ingerul meu din noapte,
Caci tu esti viata mea si spuma moilor mele soapte,
Coboara-n noapte si ma ia…si toarna-mi viata intruna,
In inima si Setea mea ,nu va seca niciuna!
Caci visul tau neostoit m-a rupt in doua,
Si m-a intrupat necontenit,sa fiu din nou ca noua!
Sa fiu iubirea ta dintii,sarutul de pe urma,
Iti voi turna din plosca mea, Iubirea ca si Roua,
Si Sarea Vietii ti-o voi da ,pe Spuma marii Moarte,
De ma vei Lua si vei crea Ceva…Lumina,Soarte!

Cu inspiratie si iubire

Luminita
ps:primita de la un bun prieten,care mi-a dat voie sa o postez aici..numai binehttp://adikady2009.blogspot.com

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Cate July 13, 2009 at 1:49 pm

for sure – but i was trying to avoid exactly that in writing in the soulmates thing last week.

i think two people overlapped… only since the first i had put so much energy into and identity etc… when it didnt work out it still affected my approach to a second relationship.

but yes, i did have two loves… one i hoped to be with, one i thought i could be with… and this was during a sort of second round. i had dated both at independent times during the past, but then suddenly the second time i was back with the first guy., but thinking i really actually felt more for the second guy…that i had to go for it.

i was confused by something – still trying to work out that.

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Ema July 13, 2009 at 1:46 pm

I think that a human heart should be big enough to love two different people. But if this happens they will suffer very much. When a human meets his two soulmates at a same time, it could be awful, paintful. But we can’t cut ourselves in two parts. We should choose only one. Once i watched a movie about this – one girl started dating with two guys at the same time, they didn’t know about that, but when they realized what was doing their girlfriend, they wanted her to choose only one of them. But she couldn’t. Then she realized that she was pregnant (from both of them) and they started leaving with each other- the three of them with the babies.

I can’t be in love with two people, i think that i will go crazy. I will choose only one of them, i don’t know … maybe the one that i can give my heart entirely. The truth is that i don’t want this to happen to me, i don’t want to be in this possition.
p.s. Paulo , i love your subjects you give in this forum, you’re a great writer. And the white looks very good on you :)

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Savita Vega July 13, 2009 at 1:45 pm

Falling in love with two different people at the same time is one thing, but meeting two soul mates at the same time, such as happens in the book “Brida” – this, I would assume is a wholly different matter, and far more excruciating.

The former experience I have had – being in love with two men at once – and I do not recommend it, under any circumstances, if it can at all be avoided. It was one of the most emotionally tumultuous periods of my life. I could enjoy neither love, because I felt that I was being literally ripped in half, nor could I make a decision because, every time I tried to choose between the two, I found myself ever more confused.

My experience evolved under the worst circumstances possible – I had an affair, which started out as something that seemed “harmless” enough. In my way of thinking back then (which is NOT my way of thinking now), as long as no one found out about the affair, no one could be hurt by it. What harm was there in it? I was very young at the time, and obviously very foolish. It never occurred to me that I might fall in love with this other man too. But I did. And from that point on, everything was a colossal mess. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t choose, because I loved them both. I was paralyzed.

The difficult thing about such a situation is that rational thought becomes useless. Reason has no bearing over matters of the heart. And, at the same time, it is impossible to simply “follow one’s heart,” because one’s heart is being torn in half, pulling in two opposite directions. If your head is useless and your heart can’t guide you either, you really are in a mess.

In my situation, I tried everything to come to a decision. I tried considering the pros and cons of each relationship, actually writing them out on paper. I tried considering with which man I had the most in common. I tried everything, but the more I tried to analyze the situation from a rational standpoint, the more confused I became. So, I finally did the only other thing I could think of to do – I ran away. I didn’t run away to “escape” making a choice, but just to be alone, to get away from both of them for a while, thinking that in the quiet of my heart I would eventually find a solution.

One morning I just woke up, packed a couple of suitcases with my belongings, went out and bought new tires for the car, and drove out of the city, with no idea whatsoever of where I was going. I just assumed that I would recognize it when I got there. After much driving, I finally arrived in a very picturesque little town, and said, “Okay, this is it.” I went to the first realtor’s office I saw, within an hour, rented the top floor of an old house. The next morning, I took a job at a small retail shop, just to have something to do. At home, I had left a recording on the phone and a note, saying that I was going away but I didn’t know to where, and that I would be back but I didn’t know when. I told no one where I was, neither friends nor family. I ended up spending about six weeks there, in virtual seclusion, having no contact with anyone that I knew.

While in this small village, I took walks by the river, fed the ducks in the park, watched children playing in the grass by the water. In the late evenings, I would walk through the neighborhood and wave at the people sitting in rocking chairs or in swings on their front porches. Life became very simple, very still, very quiet, and in this silence, I finally found an answer: I chose to leave my husband and go with the man with whom I had had the affair.

The whole situation was very complicated, as such “triangles” often are, and therefore, this decision was hardly the end. In fact, it was only the beginning of much more turmoil. But at least I had made a decision, and I wasn’t turning back. That was probably the most difficult decision of my life.

In fact, this experience of being torn between two men was so excruciating that I vowed NEVER to let myself get into such a situation again as long as I live. Always since then, if I am with someone and I feel myself attracted to someone else, even in the slightest bit, I make a choice right then and there, BEFORE things get out of hand. Either I say, “Okay, I’m going to pursue this new attraction,” and I immediately leave the person I am with, or I say, “No, I’m staying where I am,” and I simply do not allow myself to entertain any further thoughts about this other man. If I have to, I just get away from him altogether. I avoid any and all contact with him, until this attraction subsides. And if it doesn’t subside, then I’ll physically remove myself permanently from whatever situation or environment it is that is causing us to have contact with one another. There is simply no way that I would ever have another affair under any circumstances, because I know of the dangers and I know how intensely torturous it is to have one’s heart torn between two loves. I won’t ever allow this to happen to me again. It is much easier to just make a decision at the start than to let one’s heart head off freely in two different directions and then later have to choose between them.

But, as I say, that is merely my experience in finding myself in love with two different people at once. I cannot imagine how much more intense and excruciating would be the experience if one were to meet two soul mates in the same lifetime and know them both at the same time. In the book “Brida,” the Magus made the choice for her and she seemed to accept this. But that is an easy way out and one that I don’t think presents itself very often in real life. We have to make our own choices, and choosing between two soul mates must be the most difficult decision imaginable.

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sahar July 13, 2009 at 1:29 pm

I can not explain it , but I think ,it is full of pain when you understand you have tow soulmates. i heard nice story about it.

nice girl understanded to have tow soulmates.she beleieved the world help her to choose right way. she followed and care signs, she choosed one of them that need more helps .she saved him(her husband). and I think she do right. they are like (right-angled triangle). . the addition of her hasband and her is him(third soulmate), she is sure him(thirde right- angle) is more than powerfull of them (her and her husband). she will help him (right-angle)if he need, they see eachother but all of them know ,they are in right way.
they know they are tringle and have diffrent capacities but they love each other without any reason.they are one.

the end

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nikamarie July 13, 2009 at 1:18 pm

This is where I become truthful with myself. I was in a relationship that recently ended for numerous reasons. While in this relationship I was also in love with someone else it became a triangle for me. I was never truthful with Lover#1 who I dated for almost 4yrs. I had never thought that it was possible that you could love two people at the same time passionately, but then it happened to me. My spirit became troubled by this I prayed I tried my best to stay away from lover #2 (who I seriously think is my soul mate) then tried my best to stay away from lover #2. I thought it was not fair to have your cake and eat it too, but kept eating the cake over and over. As much as I prayed and tried to break this triangle it was it seemed impossible. Well, the triangle got more detailed when lover#1 asked me to marry him, I said yes, when I meant no. I somehow convinced myself that I had to choose between the two, and lover#2 was no way available because he was married and also I didn’t even know of his whereabouts we usually communicated via emails, so I might as well marry #1 even though my heart was telling me not to marry (sigh) not listening to the heart can be very dangerous (lesson learned). So recently when I returned from a semi long vacation lover#1 broke up with me and ended our relationship and all communication with me he said something was missing with us. I agree he is right something was missing. Lover #2 appeared back in my life but not romantically. Right now I am getting use to being alone with myself at times it feels very lonely at other times I feel like it’s a new found freedom, I’m learning what it means to be truthful to myself first, connecting with the Lord, and being thankful for this experience.

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nikamarie July 13, 2009 at 4:17 pm

Its difficult to be in this situation. I do not regret this experience at all, I regret not being truthful to myself and with the other two. I am glad that I survived the love triangle and I pray that the next love triangle that I encounter is a union with God at the top connecting myself and whoever he might be.

rosa de los vientos July 13, 2009 at 10:43 pm

Dear Marie I think you go to be very happy because you are a very good person with very much love.
Good Luck Marie in this new life.

Mirjam July 13, 2009 at 1:11 pm

Hi Paolo,

I can tell you it can be hell. If one of the two persons thinks you can only be in love with one person at the time.
It should be so beautifull. If you can really love more than one person. it should be nice. Why are we allowed to hate all the persons we want, but may only love one at the time.
I really dont get it.
It also makes me very unhappy.

Love,

Mirjam

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Island Princess July 13, 2009 at 12:38 pm

Yes. This happens to me. Loving and being in love with two people at the same time . Does this really happen ? Or do i just think i feel the same for both of them, but actually only one of them is the man i really love. Is love still love even if it is not for one man alone ? if love is also loyalty

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Island Princess July 13, 2009 at 12:36 pm

Yes. This happens to me. Loving and being in love with two people at the same time . Does this really happen ?

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karen July 13, 2009 at 12:31 pm

Hi Paulo,
The world is a duality govened by the trinity, but to be specific, we are PHYSICALLY INCARNATED beings.

This means that we are in the material realm of duality. And although Love is something essentially spiritual, and beyond the physical, nevertheless, it can only manifest within the duality of the physical world.

How then, do we end up being in love with 2 people equally and making a triangle?
I believe, perhaps even know intuitively that we have only one TRUE soulmate – the other half of us.
But the second love can be explained.

The second love is a manifestation of ourselves, that is to say that we fall in love with, not the OTHER half of ourselves, but also our OWN HALF of our self.

An analogy – if we are yin, then we look for our yang half to love.
But, when a triangle exists, it is because we have found our yang half, but then also have fallen in love with our own yin half, as manifested by another person in the world.

I could be wrong, but it is wonderful to search the mystery of life.

Blessings,
Karen xxxxxxxxxx

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nikamarie July 13, 2009 at 2:40 pm

Karen I like your response. Beautiful

Savita Vega July 13, 2009 at 4:06 pm

Sound very Jungian. I like Jung.

Rossana Curri July 13, 2009 at 5:19 pm

I like your answer too, Savita…

I think most of the times we do fall in love with ourselves – or I’d better say with the way the other person makes us feel we are.

Does it happen with soulmates too? I do not think so: maybe this is why they are soulmates, indeed.

Love

Rossana Curri

phoenix July 22, 2009 at 7:22 am

i wish u were ARMSTRONG

rosa de los vientos July 13, 2009 at 12:20 pm

Creo que puedes querer a dos personas pero no con la misma intensidad. Las quieres pero las quieres de diferente manera aunque son dos formas de amar que son compatibles y no puedes vivir sin una y sin la otra.
La sociedad nos enseñó a ser monógamos, esto es bueno para la sociedad y sinembargo todos debemos reconocer que hemos pensado en una tercera persona. ¿Seremos valientes para admitirlo?
Un beso Paulo, bonito debate.

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aditya July 13, 2009 at 1:12 pm

U haven’t ??

hope soon u do.

in most cases it is but why should it be painful for them, ain’t that pain originating from the desire to posses, have exlusive rights over the ‘lover’.

remember archie and beronica and betty. the perfect traingle !

love
aditya

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aditya July 14, 2009 at 12:34 pm

wow ! wow !! wow !!

that was fast & furious,

i resent absence of smilys on this site, when i addressd my post to annie it was ‘in lighter vain’ i gave an indication by citing a comic, annie caught it too.

anyway ! i am quite fascinated by the flow of the two thought streams, wonderful !

although now i won’t wish for annie to be in any triangle, precisely because she does not like it seeing the pain of her freind. why should i wish for a freind something which teh freind does not like. barring pain and pleasure due to this traingle stuff;

annie don’t u think avoidance of pain in not the right apprach to life, avoidance of pain and pursing pleasure, and net result happnes is that pleasure seems illusive and pain a cosntant companion. of course couring pain nedlessly is also foolish; but when something like love is involved, won’t it be better to endure some pain, risk some pain and learn to love someone. Of course no need to go after a traingle or qdrangle, going into love will be useful !

love
aditya

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candieb July 13, 2009 at 3:10 pm

Dear Aditya,

I don’t agree with you and I think you wish Annie something like a curse.This isn’t a blessing to love two persons in the same time,it’s painful.Now,everyone has their beliefs of course,but still..mine I say to Annie,I hope you won’t darling,I hope you won’t.

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Savita Vega July 13, 2009 at 4:03 pm

Would be nice if we could be open to that. If we weren’t all so caught up in that “desire to possess” – busy marking our territory and defending it as “our own” – then we might be able to actually enjoy these “triangles” when they arise, rather than suffer from them. Unfortunately, few people are open to that kind of experience, as our cultural norms strictly forbid it.

For me – and many people might think this sounds crazy – I actually think the ideal “family structure” would be one man with several wives. (All of you feminists out there will just have to pardon me for my honesty.) I say this because I see that as a very strong structure, where the women benefit as much from their closeness and their relationships with one another as they do from their individual relationships with the husband.

Of course, many view this as a model in which the man dominates, but this does not necessarily have to be the case. Even if the man appears to dominate on the surface, women, especially in numbers, have their ways of wielding their power, which is not always so obvious.

I suppose it could even be one woman with several husbands, if that’s what worked for someone, but somehow to me this just doesn’t seem as natural. Biologically speaking, it just doesn’t work out very well.

So, that is my thought on “triangles” and the pain they cause – the problem arises primarily because of this concept of “property” and “property rights.” One thinks: “This man belongs to me, and no one else! I refuse to share him. He must love only me.” So, if this man loves two women, even if he loves them equally, even if he could give himself fully to each, he is still forced by the norms of society to make a choice between the two. In many ways, I think this is a tragedy – a tragedy caused by the fact that, in our society, we somehow equate “love” with “ownership.” The Beloved is our “territory,” and no one must infringe upon that.

Great point, Aditya!

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Rossana Curri July 13, 2009 at 5:11 pm

You are a brave and strong girl, Nika… and a great warrior of the light.

Letting things go on and get extremely serious with someone you do not love would have been a very dangerous decision – to him and to yourself. I married a man I was not in love with, just because it was easier than say “no” and because my rational mind was telling it was the best thing to do… and I thank God I got blessed with enough strenght to break up and divorce, before that situation could harm the both of us and the children that we might have had.

You will have your blessed triangle… just give yourself enough time to “recover”, so that your heart will soon be ready to love again completely, with no debris.

I am hugging you, baby.

Love,
Rossana Curri

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rosa de los vientos July 13, 2009 at 10:47 pm

Yes Marie union with God.
Kises for you and I like your history is a very human history.

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Satora July 13, 2009 at 5:40 pm

Dear Savita,

Your “ideal” relationship was discussed in a documentary about Africa (Mali) I watched yesterday afternoon. It seems that is doesn’t work out that well…for jealousy , envy and distrust are the main ingredients and the wives…turn to the village “magos” for love potions or worse (a little voodoo to get rid of the competition)…

I know a triangle can happen just out of the blue without even looking for it. Eros and the Fates have no “rule” books… As you have mentioned in your earlier post a triangle relationship can be a catastrophe…..but also a learning experience on your path…. You have learned – I have learned – many others have learned – and many others will learn….

With loving kindness,

Satora

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Heart July 13, 2009 at 8:09 pm

Savita dear,

Thanks for your honesty. I’m listening…. If polygamy is a desire because of an added strength and benefits, why not a group marriage as seen in some sci fiction movies…for instance in Start Trek, Dr Phlox has 3 wives and each woman has 3 husbands of her own? There is a problem though with marriages like this. Most places they are ILLEGAL. It’s like marijuana, a lot of people agree it’s not more damaging than alcohol, but because it is illegal, there are much more severe risks in doing it.

Heart

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Savita Vega July 14, 2009 at 4:29 am

I think that polygamy is just one model. It is also notable that in many ancient cultures it was the primary or even exclusive model. It just so happens that, due to the Christian foundations of our Western culture, that model has been prohibited, even made illegal.

In the end, I think there are pros and cons to every model in terms of committed relationships. And if we are making comparisons – if we consider the statistics in regards to the prevalence of adultery and divorce – the present model of the “monogamous marriage” does not look so good either. As a society, we praise it, we even hold it up as this great ideal, but, under the eye of objective analysis, it really doesn’t “work” very well.

The thing that concerns me most really, is just that we open our eyes to other possibilities and not allow ourselves to be brainwashed by the cultural norms of our time and place. It would be great if we could just let people decide for themselves what works best for them, without laws governing the structure of our relationships.

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Carolena Sabah July 14, 2009 at 7:44 pm

What is marriage? a piece of paper that proves what? claim and ownership? Do the couple start loving each other more after marriage? Usually not, and quite often, they start loving each other less.. ironic.

When two people are in love, they already feel married to one another spiritually, at least that’s how I feel.

This subject is a very complex one, and until we individually have not experienced it, it is hard to comprehend. I’ve been in this triangle before, being in love with not only two, but three men all at the same time. But I must say it was not with the same intensity. Well, let me put it this way, as trying to measure love is difficult, but If I were to choose I would have chosen one of the men. The other two came in the picture because I could not be with the first one. So if I had a choice, I would have chosen one of them.

As I’ve also been in another triangle, two females and one man, I must say that this is a very individual thing. Love between one man and one woman we hope suffices for the individuals, but then why is it that a high number of married people, man and woman, end up cheating.

Instinctively one knows that there is nothing scary or bad about love, but the thought of our beloved loving another person besides ourselves can be torturous. The reason for that, I believe, is because we start to think that our beloved loves the other person more, or has a better time with the other person, or they might leave us for the other person and when someone loves another, they want to be the best for that person. So these feelings of not being the best for our lover brings in thoughts of anger and possession etc.

Can love be measured? If a person loves two people at the same time, can he say one love is better than the other? I don’t think it is possible to make such a comparison. I believe that the relationships must be totally different, but the problem arises when we try to compare.

Why would a 3 person relationship be wrong? because someone at some point said so and people were forced to believe it and no one questioned it?

Given the number of cases of adultery and cheating between couples, one is led to believe that perhaps we might not be monogamous by nature. Yet we try so hard to lie and cover up our desires instead of being honest with our partners. So lying and cheating has become the acceptable behavior in relationships. That’s pretty sad if you ask me.

Every person needs to choose their own preferences. But the most important part would be to be honest with ourselves first, then with our partners.

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B*Sofie July 13, 2009 at 5:53 pm

Changes in the air*

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Heart July 13, 2009 at 7:59 pm

I’m trying to get my husband to wear t-shirts with a collar but have given up.

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rosa de los vientos July 13, 2009 at 10:49 pm

And you are very good with this colour Paulo.
Kises for you

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Savita Vega July 14, 2009 at 3:41 am

Mmmm…I was wondering….

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Carolena Sabah July 14, 2009 at 8:29 pm

Cannot believe Paulo is wearing a white T-shirt!!
I think it is very sexy when a man wears Pink shirts! Most people think that’s feminine for a man, but somehow, it brings out the masculinity!
Paulo, try a Pink one next time ;)

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Paulo Coelho July 13, 2009 at 9:30 pm

Try GAP. If he does not like, give them away – not very expensive.

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Heart July 14, 2009 at 1:27 am

Yr funny!

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Savita Vega July 14, 2009 at 3:47 am

Sounds like your husband should meet my dad – he has worn the same thing every day for the whole of his adult life: jeans, white undershirt, long-sleeved denim western shirt, hat, boots. Winter, spring, summer, fall – it’s all the same. Only the hat changes: felt in winter, straw in summer. I actually envy him this simplicity. As Paulo says, everything matches!

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Heart July 14, 2009 at 2:44 pm

Savita & Annie,

Exactly, as worn out white t-shirts and jeans as possible! It was funny… was it two weeks ago, Paulo in his video was wearing a navy blue tennis shirt, and I was thinking…there IS hope…and now… he goes back to WHITE t-shirt!! lmao.

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candieb July 14, 2009 at 12:06 am

Ha!that’s so funny!Are you guys talking about T-shirts?Really?
A touch of fresh air in the middle of all this mess.
Love it :)

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Savita Vega July 14, 2009 at 4:16 am

One way of looking at it, which I’m sure this psychologist did not consider, is that, if you feel whole and are acting out of genuine love and respect rather than fear, then you might not feel the need to “own” this other person or hold “exclusive rights” over them. You might be able to open up to the fact that they are capable of loving you AND another person.

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Carolena Sabah July 14, 2009 at 8:53 pm

Annie,

Seems like what the psychologist was saying is that we have to love under circumstances. Should we only love someone under certain conditions?

Or if we are in love with someone who is not in love with us, are we able to not love them because they don’t love us? Can we control love like this? I don’t think so!

If we are able to, then we are not really experiencing love! Must be a number of other emotions, not Love in it’s fullest definition.

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Savita Vega July 14, 2009 at 4:36 am

That is a very thought provoking concept, Rossana. I never thought of it that way, but it makes perfect sense: that this would not happen with soul mates. It seems to me that soul mates would be somehow directly linked, through the Divine. They wouldn’t be just a mirror for one another, because their purpose is something much higher than that. Sort of the difference between profane (mundane) and divine (spiritual) love.

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Rossana Curri July 14, 2009 at 3:15 pm

I began having this opinion when I realize that when I am with a man that I like, but who is not my soulmate, sexual arousement comes from my(own)self: the sexier I feel, the hotter I get.

My own body, touched by the man’s hands, turns me on – and my own words, my reactions, my skin.

When I am with a man I truly love, passion comes from HIS body, his words, his gaze, his reactions: I am no longer even aware that I am there, because I totally melt in him.

So now I know how to find out if I am genuinely in love or not :))

Love and passion (and smiles),

Rossana Curri

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Savita Vega July 14, 2009 at 4:40 am

Jung. I always get a bit confused when I read Jung’s theory of the anima/animus. The questions that arise for me are a lot like the ones you are expressing, Annie.

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Monika July 14, 2009 at 10:42 am

In times of crisis men (and women) hold fast to things of everyday life.

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Pandora July 14, 2009 at 10:56 am

All soul lessons are meant for our benefit, are they not?

As in astrology even difficult transits such as squares and oppositions are designed to evolve our soul (this is my belief).

But in the end there is always choice,whether to accept and learn, or whether to view it as a curse.

Personally I like to try to learn as much as possible, and my instinct has always to accept not run away.

But some situations can become self perpetuating, negative and destructive, and do not enhance growth infact seek to do the opposite.

I have seen it in many people who are trapped in unhappy relationships or situations, who simply stagnate in a whirlpool of negativity, their voices are flat, their eyes are dead, it is as if their very soul were being sucked away.

So I also think it is important to keep in mind that a door that is leading to nowhere should be firmly shut.

Cheers.

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Paulo Coelho July 14, 2009 at 11:22 am

Price of a t-shirt: 3 EUR (sports shop). Price of cleaning a t-shirt in a hotel laundry service: 5 EUR. I stuff my luggage with t-shirts, use, give away, and buy new ones when I’m back

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Seema July 14, 2009 at 4:10 pm

Now, now… we are straying from our focus:The Triangles to White T shirts!:-)

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Monika July 14, 2009 at 4:12 pm

This is in deed very practical when you are a lot on travel, Paulo!
…but do you have also clothes you are attached to? …which you never would give away? …some favorite parts, which belong to you?

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Monika July 14, 2009 at 4:22 pm

I hate to iron and I am very creative in sparing time with housework.

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Savita Vega July 14, 2009 at 5:13 pm

I think it’s wonderful when adopt a sort of “uniform” – it’s sooo anti-materialistic, so against the modern fashion consciousness. I like you’re idea, too, Paulo, of donating the clothes, after wearing them, rather than thinking of them as “property” that must be lugged around, regardless of the expense. I recently adopted a similar attitude in reference to my entire wardrobe. (It was after reading Wicca’s advice to Brida – keep the energy moving, wear everything you own, get rid of the rest.) I decided to allow myself a few changes of clothes only, buy them new twice a year, and at the end of the season, clear the closet and donate them all.

As for the black and the white and the love of both: http://mor.phe.us/writings/YINYANG.JPG
I see no contradiction in that.

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Heart July 14, 2009 at 9:13 pm

So now Paulo’s women are like t-shirts, easy to put on and easy to take off… no… black and white…love triangulation.

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Heart July 14, 2009 at 11:45 pm

I know dear Paulo. I was just messing with you :) You started it!

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aditya July 14, 2009 at 12:52 pm

what has pschycology ( as understood by scintific psychologits ) got to do with love, they think about love, when love is something of the heart ( centre)

love
aditya

PS : i wanted to say it there; but u remember having said that everyone is possesive, quite right u are everyone is, but that does not make it legitimate, right. just like it’s not Ok to lie, even when the whole world does, i mean those lies and white lies.

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aditya July 14, 2009 at 12:56 pm

u seem to be OK with housewives parties or was that sarcastic ! “I am right in the middle of a housewives coffee party!”

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meire July 14, 2009 at 2:21 pm

I love this poem,Asif.Thank you!!

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Ilva Asote July 14, 2009 at 3:06 pm

Thanks, Elisabeth!

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nikamarie July 14, 2009 at 3:48 pm

LOL!!!:D

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jamie July 14, 2009 at 5:37 pm

:)))))

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candieb July 14, 2009 at 11:45 pm

LOL

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jamie July 15, 2009 at 4:06 pm

thanks for the smile

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Heart July 15, 2009 at 9:16 pm

Hehe.. we are corrupting you sis!

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Monika July 14, 2009 at 3:54 pm

Yes, I agree on this theme! – I only enjoy myself tremendously about the sudden change of the discussion in a totally diferent direction!

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Savita Vega July 14, 2009 at 5:14 pm

Care for a teacake?

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Monika July 14, 2009 at 4:51 pm

I meant I am not resistant…

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Carolena Sabah July 14, 2009 at 10:44 pm

Annie, to reply to your question, I would say yes and no.
Again it’s a comparison which cannot always be made. The more evolved a person is the less this applies to them.
It’s again all so relative. We so easily kill an insect that is buzzing and bugging us but would we kill another human because they are getting on our nerves?? LOL

So I say yes and no depending on the circumstance. It’s relative.

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Paulo Coelho July 14, 2009 at 4:52 pm

Not really: I am in love with two different shirts: the white and the black. It fits the subject.

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Savita Vega July 14, 2009 at 4:52 pm

Oh, yes, Pandora, I definitely agree. We have to know when to say “enough is enough.” That is growth – just learning to set those very important boundaries.

I never thought about this in terms of astrology, because I really don’t know very much about astrology. Thanks for sharing that. It is good to know that even if there is some “negative” aspect in our birth-chart, it does not mean that we are doomed or cursed. We have the opportunity to transform that into something positive.

I always enjoy your comments. So glad you’re on this blog!

Much Love,
Savita

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candieb July 14, 2009 at 5:43 pm

“I’m in love with two different shirts:the white and the black”
LOL!I love that!:D

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Monika July 14, 2009 at 9:42 pm

I am horrified!
You are in love with two different shirts with the same intensity, you use them only once and then you give them lighthearted away!
Paulo, Paulo, I don’t know what I shall think about you!

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Mask July 14, 2009 at 8:43 pm

One of them already burnt all his chances. Let’s see if there’s a chance still for this tale as I have already given up on it.

There’s nothing wrong with a familiar kiss, great sex, sweet voice you love, and just a simple life with someone who adores you, right?

The losers tale.

lol

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Paulo Coelho July 14, 2009 at 9:45 pm

that I am not faithful to my shirts.

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Paulo Coelho July 14, 2009 at 9:47 pm

Heart, you are the one comparing women (or men) with t-shirts…

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Paulo Coelho July 14, 2009 at 9:51 pm

NEVER IN MY LIFE, Carolena. Black and white is my limit

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Josephine in Brussels July 14, 2009 at 10:18 pm

Now where is the rebel? *lol*

I just saw in front of me all the things some of the women here would like to dress you in – what a Xmas tree! ;-)

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aditya July 16, 2009 at 6:23 am

ha ha ha !!

so refreshing !

paulo why not Pink, commeoonnnnn now, it is not as if u will evaporate if u wear pink, and u spoke about pushing limits. carolena is right, it looks very ‘complete’ specially on a manly man.

your last statement here was the most profound ” danger of chnaging t shirts”

love
aditya

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candieb July 14, 2009 at 11:54 pm

Let’s stick to T-shirts!LOL ;D

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Paulo Coelho July 15, 2009 at 12:59 am

This is the danger of changing t-shirts.

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Heart July 15, 2009 at 9:22 pm

We better be careful with bugging you!

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Carolena Sabah July 16, 2009 at 12:07 am

My dear Heart… Yes please, Bee Careful! LOL ;D

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Heart July 15, 2009 at 9:25 pm

This is why there are a lot of women in prison for murdering their men! Did you know, it used to be most murderers were men, while in America today, it’s more even. Women are catching up…

We have a friend. His mother was abused by his step dad for years, till she killed him. She went to prison, served her time, and now is back out, living with my friend and his wife (the mother isn’t allowed to live on her own) Wouldn’t that be a great situation. Your mother in law..a murderer! Hehe.

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Carolena Sabah July 16, 2009 at 12:12 am

Heart, I’m not surprised… Rage is Very violent. Just look at Igor! LOL

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Savita Vega July 16, 2009 at 1:10 pm

“Lost as a candle lit at noon” – fantastic!

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rosa de los vientos July 16, 2009 at 10:03 pm

Thank you Anni is a good poem.

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Anca July 16, 2009 at 4:07 pm

Thank you dearest Annie,

for your kind words. I agree, love is not about possession, but love is about expression, because love demands it rights, to be lived!

I believe. : )

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Carolena Sabah July 18, 2009 at 12:55 am

Yes Annie, Everyone needs love and to be held.
Without love we’re not fully alive!

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Catherine July 18, 2009 at 2:10 pm

no Annie -
you are right!
but you are very fortunate if the one is both mortal love and profound soulmate [agape?] love…
;o)

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Carolena Sabah July 18, 2009 at 11:59 pm

WHAT?? Really?? Ah… Thank you Annie!! :)
i enjoy reading your words as well!
Love to you!
C.

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