Love Hurts.

Perhaps there is a reason cupid walks around with a quill full of arrows. With every piercing of the heart that leads to blossoming love there is also the distinct possibility of the pain associated with removing the arrow when a relationship experiences turbulent times. Trust me, I know firsthand the awful feelings of a clammy cold sweat, lump-filled throat, and aching heart seemingly worse than any possible heartache. But that’s me. Having seen the dark side of love, I wouldn’t wish such anguish on anyone, especially on my kids. However, being a dad of hormone heavy teens and young adults who are in the midst of their own experiences with “first love” it is inevitable that helping to patch broken hearts will be a part of parental duties.

Love Stinks?

Love doesn’t really stink, but ending love does (and don’t confuse “ending love” with “Endless Love” – just ask Brooke Shields and Lionel Richie about that). Jimi Hendrix had it right when he asked, “Are You Experienced?” because with experience comes the knowledge that things are never really as bad as they seem. When dealing with only your first or second boyfriend or girlfriend and things are on the rocks, it is inconceivable to think that the relationship may not mend and you will have to move on. When you are in the midst of painfully plucking that arrow from its comfortable coronary perch, without experience it is impossible to believe that life can and will go on and that you will find another love and happiness once again… And so, that part of love can and does hurt… especially for young lovers.

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do…

I doubt they know who Neil Sedaka is, but recently two of my kids had relationship troubles that led them to tears. It is never welcome and always difficult to see your children upset and crying, but it is especially hard when you know exactly how they are hurting inside, and you also know that things are not nearly as bad as the hurt would lead them to believe. Yet, there is only so much we can do to help them. We can console and we can comfort, but we really can’t take the pain away, because there are some things that your kids will only truly learn through their own experience. As a parent, that hurts!

How about you? If your kids are of dating age, how have you helped them deal with breakups and matters of the heart? Please share your comments (and feel free to include any other sappy song titles references that I have yet to soil…)

Jeff Sass is the proud dad of ZEO (Zach, 20, Ethan, 18 and Olivia, 17).  He is also a seasoned entertainment and technology exec and active social media enthusiast.  You can see more of Jeff’s writing at Sassholes! and Social Networking Rehab.

Photo Credit: © ilro – Fotolia.com