For heaven’s sake my heart

In these days of social media – what I considered private, even sacred moments of love, family, passions and relationships are now thrown onto the public domain.

A man proposes to a girl with much fanfare on reality TV or in a staged drama set up for You Tube.  I am not sure who started this trend, but the first public proposal I saw was on Oprah.  Dare I say ‘yucks’!!  That’s bulldozing your love onto someone who might not be able to say ‘No’ publicly after such an elaborate drama.

A man or woman declare their love and appreciation for each other on Facebook, on Instagram, Snapchat and other local media.  Husbands and wives thank each other on FB on anniversary dates.  A girl notifies the world that she is pregnant the minute she gets the news.  Private moments do not seem sacred anymore.  Everything is public.

Tomorrow, Valentine’s day, I am sure we can expect a spate of public declarations on social media.    Call me old-fashioned, a recluse, an introvert, a fuddy duddy or whatever – but the wisdom of Gibran which I read many years ago has stuck with me ….

For heaven’s sake, my heart, keep secret your love, and hide the secret from those you see and you will have better fortune.
He who reveals secrets is considered a fool; silence and secrecy are much better for him who falls in love.
For heaven’s sake, my heart, if someone asks, “What has happened?”, do not answer.
If you are asked, “Who is she?”;
Say she is in love with another
And pretend that it is of no consequence.
For heaven’s sake, my love, conceal your passion; your sickness is also your medicine because love to the soul is as wine in a glass – what you see is liquid, what is hidden is its spirit.
For heaven’s sake, my heart, conceal your troubles; then, should the seas roar and the skies fall, you will be safe.”

From my book shelf:   “Mirrors of the Soul”- Kahlil Gibran