10 Love Lessons From Shakespeare Explained

Shakespeare’s work has been around so long I think it’s been analyzed to death. I don’t claim to be an expert, but let’s take a look at ten love lessons he inspired and see how they can be applied to our modern lives.

False face must hide what the false heart doth know – If it looks like your partner is hiding something he probably is, whether he realizes it or not. It’s likely a good idea to dump this guy.
Friendship is constant in all other things save in the office and affairs of love – The best way to lose a friend is to turn the relationship into a romance. If you want to save your friendship, don’t get romantically involved.
Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none – This is a good lesson to live by. Give your love freely, but be careful who you really trust. If you take care not to hurt others, you will live an honorable and rewarding life.
Love is blind – Although we may be attracted by good looks, true love doesn’t care about appearance. The real thing will last long after we’re old and ugly.
Love looks not with eyes, but with the mind – This is along the same lines, but goes a little deeper. You’ll find that a sound relationship is built more on the intellect you have in common rather than physical attraction.
Love sought is good, but given unsought, is better – Aren’t there songs written about this? No matter how hard you look, love won’t be found until it finds you, and that’s the best kind.
One can love not wisely but well – Even though people may call you crazy, follow your heart. Relationships based on common sense or mutual advantage won’t be as fulfilling as those based on true love that is nurtured.
The course of true love never did run smooth – There’s always going to be bumps in the road for any relationship. How you deal with them will determine whether your love will endure. Also, a love affair with no conflicts at all will probably not last.
They do not love that do not show their love – If you really love someone, you have to be able to show it. Otherwise, how can your love be true? Don’t take for granted that your partner knows you care without confirming it once in awhile.
What stronger breastplate than a heart untainted – Those who are pure of heart can endure anything. If you strive to be honest and forthright in your relationships with others, no one else can hurt you.

Even though Shakespeare penned his work about 400 years ago, he must have been a very wise man, because so many of his lessons endure to this day. Of course, love never changes throughout the centuries. People will always struggle to find true love and keep it and Shakespeare was talented enough to convey how truly elusive it is.