Three Pieces of One Whole - Love , Loyalty and Friendship

As I sat looking at Jessa Duggar's wedding I wished liked this beautiful young woman I too had waited for that first kiss and somehow my thoughts went to Claddagh Rings.

I have long had a love, fascination and affinity to them.  I believe it is the meaning of the Heart, Hands and Crown that has long endeared them to me.  Love, Friendship and Loyalty. Three important ingredients in any relationship. Even how and where the ring is worn has meaning.

The Claddagh features two hands clasping a heart, surmounted by a crown. The elements of this symbolize the following: Love (the heart), Friendship (the hands), and Loyalty (the crown).  Even the way a Claddagh ring is worn on the hand conveys the wearer's romantic availability or lack thereof. 

Wearing the ring on the right hand with the heart facing outward and away from the body, this indicates that the person wearing the ring is not in any serious relationship, and may, in fact, be single and looking for a relationship: "their heart is open."

When worn on the right hand but with the heart facing inward toward the body, this indicates the person wearing the ring is in a relationship, or that "someone has captured their heart". 

When a Claddagh is worn on the left-hand ring finger facing outward away from the body generally indicates that the wearer is engaged. 

Wearing the ring is on the left-hand ring finger and facing inward toward the body, generally means that the person wearing the ring is married.

The true beauty of the Claddagh lies in its symbolism. So few of us value Love (true selfless love) Loyalty and Friendship. These are three very important values that I hold close in all my relationships. 

For most Love equals who has sex with them fastest. Loyalty would be determined by your willingness to let them walk all over you. Friendship well that would amount to what you can give or they can get from you.

We have lost sight of what true Love, Loyalty and Friendship is.  It must be noted this does not limit itself simply to a romantic relationship but in all social interactions.  We have become so obsessed with getting ahead, being seen with the right people in the right places, networking and keeping up with the Jones that we no longer take the time to develop truly meaningful relationships. 

These are three pieces of one whole. These components are necessary to have a meaningful, successful, lasting relationship. Something we all claim to want but are not willing to put the time, energy and effort into.