By Laura Htet (UDE)

 

THERE was a time when love seemed ordinary. We found it in family dinners, long conversations with friends, warm greetings from neighbours, and small acts of kindness that filled our daily lives. Love was not something we searched for because it was naturally woven into our routines. Today, how­ever, many of us are beginning to feel that genuine love, under­standing, and human connection have become surprisingly rare. In a world full of technological advancements, endless commu­nication tools, and growing oppor­tunities, we are somehow finding it harder to connect deeply with one another.

 

Perhaps that is why love has become one of the greatest luxu­ries of modern life.

 

When we hear the word “lux­ury,” we often think of expensive houses, luxury cars, designer clothing, or exotic vacations. Yet the most precious luxury in today’s society is not something that can be bought in a store or displayed to impress others. It is something far more valuable and meaningful. It is love.

 

One of the biggest reasons love has become a luxury is the lack of time.

 

Modern life moves at an in­credible speed. Every day, millions of people wake up early, rush to work, spend hours dealing with responsibilities, and return home exhausted late at night. Many are constantly striving to earn enough money, support their families, and secure a better future. While these goals are important, they often leave little room for meaningful relationships.

 

Many families no longer gath­er regularly around the dinner ta­ble. Friends who once met every weekend now struggle to find a few free hours. Neighbours who live only a few steps apart may barely know each other’s names. As our schedules become fuller, our opportunities to connect be­come smaller.

 

Time has quietly become one of the most valuable resources in our lives. When we give someone our time, we are giving them a part of our lives that we can never get back. That is why spending time with loved ones has become such a powerful expression of care. In many ways, only those who in­tentionally create time for others are able to experience the true richness of love.

 

Another reason love has be­come a luxury is the lack of energy.

 

Even when we manage to find free time, many of us are simply too tired to engage fully with the people around us. Work-related stress consumes a significant por­tion of our mental and emotional energy. The remaining energy is often spent on daily responsibil­ities such as commuting, house­hold tasks, and personal needs.

 

As a result, we may sit beside the people we love while feeling emotionally distant. We may hear their words without truly listening. We may want to be supportive but lack the emotional strength to offer comfort and understanding.

 

Love requires more than physical presence. It requires patience, empathy, attention, and emotional investment. It asks us to listen carefully, understand deep­ly, forgive generously, and care sincerely. These actions demand energy.

 

Unfortunately, much of our remaining energy is increasingly consumed by technology. Social media feeds, online videos, games, and constant notifications compete for our attention every minute of the day. Hours pass quickly as we scroll through screens, often leav­ing us mentally exhausted without realizing it.

 

Technology itself is not the enemy. It has brought countless benefits and connected people across the world. However, when our digital lives begin to replace genuine human interaction, we risk losing the warmth and close­ness that make relationships meaningful. The more energy we spend on virtual connections, the less energy we may have for the real people sitting beside us.

 

A third reason love has be­come a luxury lies in the changing priorities of modern society.

 

Today, success is often meas­ured by material achievements. We admire financial stability, pro­fessional accomplishments, social status, and personal possessions. These goals are understandable because everyone wants security and comfort. However, when these pursuits become our primary fo­cus, relationships can slowly move to the background.

 

For many people, priorities now revolve around earning more, achieving more, and acquiring more. Building trust, strength­ening friendships, and nurturing relationships often become tasks we postpone until later. We tell ourselves that we will spend more time with loved ones after we re­ceive a promotion, buy a house, or reach a financial goal.

 

Yet life has a way of remind­ing us that relationships cannot always wait.

 

Years pass quickly. Children grow up. Parents grow older. Friendships drift apart. Opportuni­ties to express love do not remain available forever. When relation­ships are repeatedly placed at the bottom of our priority lists, they gradually weaken.

 

This is why love, kindness, understanding, and trust increas­ingly feel like luxuries rather than everyday experiences. Yet despite becoming rare, love remains un­like any other luxury in the world.

 

Most luxuries lose their value over time. Newer products replace older ones. Trends change. Pos­sessions wear out. However, love grows stronger the more we invest in it. The more time, energy, and attention we give, the more mean­ingful it becomes.

 

Money cannot buy genuine trust. Wealth cannot purchase true friendship. Success cannot guarantee emotional support dur­ing difficult times. Only love can provide these gifts.

 

Love comforts us when we feel lost. It gives us strength when we face challenges. It creates peace during uncertain times and brings meaning to our lives be­yond professional achievements or material possessions. People may forget our accomplishments, but they rarely forget how we made them feel.

 

That is why love remains hu­manity’s most valuable treasure.

 

In a world that constantly de­mands our attention, our energy, and our time, choosing to love is becoming one of the most mean­ingful decisions we can make. Every moment spent listening, understanding, encouraging, for­giving, and caring for another per­son is an investment in something truly valuable.

 

Let us make time for one an­other. Let us listen more carefully. Let us put down our phones oc­casionally and look into the eyes of the people we care about. Let us appreciate those who remain beside us through life’s challenges.

 

Because while many luxuries simply make life more comforta­ble, love makes life meaningful.

 

And in a world where genuine human connection is becoming increasingly rare, love may be the most precious luxury of all.