Love at first sight vs. love learned

I don't believe in love at first sight. I believe in attraction at first sight, or even lust at first sight, but it is impossible to love a person the first time you lay eyes on him. To illustrate my point, consider the following scenario:

You, a young lady, are at a party given by a business associate. Many of the guests are strangers to you. Suddenly, you are introduced to the most attractive man you have ever seen. He is tall, well-built, and reminds you of a combination of your favorite movie star and the high school teacher on whom you had a mad crush throughout your entire secondary school career. For once, you are at a loss for words. You are ready to fall at the feet of this Greek god who has entered your life so unexpectedly. For you, it is certainly love at first sight! However, he bows politely, then turns away and moves off in the direction of an exquisitely-garbed society matron who is literally dripping with diamonds.

There are a few items of interest about your Prince Charming which you should know. He has just been released from prison where he has served a term for armed robbery. He has been divorced three times. He has fathered four children from different alliances to whom he owes thousands of dollars in overdue support payments. Since he is allergic to work, he is seeking a female meal ticket who will support him in the manner to which he would like to become accustomed. He did give you a moment's consideration, but you clearly were not wealthy enough to suit his purpose. He is off in search of better pickings.

Over in the corner, a quiet young man has watched the proceedings. He rises, comes to your side and asks if he may get you a drink. You glance at him and barely catch yourself in time to keep from wrinkling up your nose at his appearance. He is short; he looks as if his outfit was chosen by a blind man, and he has a little pot belly hanging over the belt buckle on his pants. He has a cowlick and his ears are crooked. You accept his offer because you are still mourning the loss of the Greek Adonis, but you decide to ditch him at the first opportunity.

There are a few items of interest about this young man which you should know. He has never married because he has been caring for his aged mother. She has recently passed away, leaving him the family estate. He is well-off financially in his own right, but has a poor sense of style, so his wardrobe is not impressive. Because he has spent weeks sitting patiently at her bedside, he is not in the best physical shape. He loves animals and books, just like you, and if you can get past judging solely by appearance, you'll find that he would be an extremely compatible companion.

In time, through dating, shared conversations and experiences with this unassuming individual, you would find that friendship and trust would grow slowly but surely into a true and lasting love. You would no longer see his physical imperfections, but his dear face and form would be the most beautiful and welcome sight in your world.

Love at first sight is an impossibility. You cannot love what you do not know. You may feel an attraction, as you might to a lovely flower, but even that loveliness may turn out to be the blossom of a poisonous plant.

Love at first sight is an illusion. Only through time and interaction with another person, can you be sure that you have found true love. Like a pearl of great price, true love takes time to develop and mature. Once you find the real thing, the prize is well worth the effort, because real love, true love, will never die. It is eternal.