Self-Effacement: A Lesson from Love

Dear friends, today I want to share a tale from my youth, a story about falling in love and the invaluable lesson of self-effacement it taught me. As we journey through this tale together, I hope you find the wisdom that I did, and apply it to your own lives.

The Encounter

It was the summer of ’62 when I first laid eyes on her. Her name was Margaret, and she was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. Her laughter was infectious, her spirit was free, and her heart was kind. I was smitten, and I knew I had to win her over.

The Pursuit

Like any young man in love, I tried to impress Margaret. I boasted about my accomplishments, flexed my muscles, and tried to be the hero she would fall for. But the more I tried to impress her, the more distant she seemed to become.

The Revelation

One day, I saw Margaret comforting a friend. She was not the center of attention, but her kindness radiated. It was then I realized my mistake. I had been so focused on myself, I had forgotten the importance of self-effacement.

The Lesson

Self-effacement, my dear friends, is the art of being humble, of putting others before yourself. It’s not about diminishing your worth, but about recognizing the worth of others. It’s about listening more than speaking, understanding more than explaining, giving more than receiving.

When I started practicing self-effacement, not only did Margaret start to notice me, but I also became a better person. I learned to value others, to appreciate their strengths and accept their weaknesses. I learned to love not just Margaret, but everyone around me.

The Conclusion

So, my dear friends, remember this: In love and in life, it’s not always about being the loudest or the strongest. Sometimes, it’s about being the kindest, the most understanding, the most self-effacing. It’s about putting others before yourself, and in doing so, finding your true worth.

May this lesson guide you in your journey, just as it has guided me in mine.

Until next time,

Kev