‘Ek hi baar kaafi hai’: Rekha shares her take on true love; expert on whether it is only a one-time affair | Feelings News
Recently, during her appearance on The Great Indian Kapil Show she spoke about the essence of true love. She expressed that in her view, true love happens only once — if you meet the right partner.
During the show, Sharma humorously admitted that he’s puzzled over how poets portray love in such contradictory ways.To this, Rekha replied, “Mere khayal se agar sahi aadmi ho toh ek hi baar kaafi hai! Kitne baar, kitne aadmi karenge? (If the person is right, then falling in love once is enough)?”
The veteran actor also spoke about the importance of self-love. She remarked, “Mera tazurba ye hai… main apni baat kar sakti hoon… sabse pehle toh main sab cheez se pyaar karti hoon. Kaam se, mere doston se, duniya se, nature se… lekin sabse zyaada main pyaar karti hoon khud se (As far as I am concerned, I am in love with everything. With my friends, this world, with nature… but I am most in love with myself).”
Her perspective raises an age-old question: Is love really a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or is it possible to find and feel true love more than once?
Psychologist Anjali Gursahaney tells indianexpress.com, “The belief that love is a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ phenomenon is more rooted in romantic ideals and cultural narratives than in psychological research. Studies in psychology indicate that love is a complex emotion that can manifest in various forms, such as romantic love, companionate love, and self-love. While some individuals may feel that a single relationship encapsulates their ultimate experience of love, others discover meaningful connections throughout different stages of their lives, indicating that love can indeed be experienced multiple times.”
Can people experience ‘true love’ with more than one partner over the course of their lives?
“Yes, people can experience ‘true love’ with more than one partner,” confirms Gursahaney. The concept of true love is subjective and depends on how individuals define and perceive it. Factors like emotional depth, mutual understanding, and shared values contribute to feelings of true love, and these can be present in multiple relationships.
Timing, personal growth, and compatibility are critical factors in how relationships are perceived and experienced. (Source: Freepik)
Influence of factors like timing, personal growth, and compatibility
Timing, personal growth, and compatibility are critical factors in how relationships are perceived and experienced. Gursahaney notes that timing affects whether two individuals are at a stage in their lives where they can commit to and nurture a deep connection. Personal growth shapes the ability to understand, communicate, and build intimacy within a relationship.
“When these factors align, individuals are more likely to perceive the relationship as their ‘one true love,’ though it’s often a combination of effort, mutual respect, and shared experiences that solidify this perception,” shares Gursahaney.
Advice for individuals who feel they may have missed their chance at true love
Here are some steps to navigate these feelings, as mentioned by Gursahaney:
- Reflect and Heal: Take time to process the loss, understand your emotions, and heal from past wounds. Self-reflection helps build resilience and prepares you for future relationships.
- Focus on Self-Growth: Cultivate self-love, pursue personal interests, and develop skills that bring joy and fulfillment. A stronger sense of self often attracts healthier connections.
- Stay Open to New Opportunities: Love can come in unexpected forms and times. Remaining open to meeting new people and building connections can lead to meaningful relationships.
- Seek Support: Talking to friends, loved ones, or a therapist can provide perspective and emotional support as you navigate your feelings.
- Redefine Love: Love isn’t confined to one person or relationship. It is a continuous journey that evolves with life experiences.
