Allyzza Kay Trinidad

Jodi Sta. Maria says love is more than just kilig—here’s what she learned

Article (news)

Liezel Dela Cruz

When we’re young, love feels like sweet messages, grand gestures, and picture-perfect moments like the ones we see in movies. But as we grow older, experience teaches us that love is so much more than just the kilig and butterflies. It deepens, evolves, and sometimes, even challenges us in ways we never expected.Jodi Sta. Maria admits that she saw love as just a feeling when she was younger. She thought of love as purely emotion-based, something that makes your heart race and makes you blush.But over time, experience taught her that love isn’t just about fleeting emotions, but a covenant. &quot;Love is a verb. It&#x27;s not just a feeling. It&#x27;s always choosing. It&#x27;s a commitment.&quot; She realized that sparks fade, butterflies disappear, and even patience runs out, but real love endures because it’s a choice you make every day.&quot;It&#x27;s no longer just about the &#x27;honeymoon phase.&#x27; It&#x27;s about choosing that person kahit sometimes some people are hard to love,&quot; she added. And this doesn’t just apply to romantic relationships—Jodi believes it holds true for friendships, too.She further imparted that love isn’t just about giving to others, but also about choosing yourself. Jodi, who we last saw in a teleserye via &quot;<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/lavenderfields" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lavender Fields</a>,&quot; emphasized that self-love isn’t selfish; in fact, it’s necessary.She also learned that love comes with boundaries, which is healthy for both the one who is receiving and the one who is giving it. After all, real love doesn’t ask you to lose yourself, rather, it helps you become the best version of who you are.This Valentine&#x27;s Day, take a moment to reflect on what love truly means, Kapamilya! <div> </div><div>*Photo credit to b17management IG</div>