People Aren't Toys

People we truly love are not toys we can just grow tired of and place back on the shelf after the novelty wears off. We are all subject to the same processes. All of our cognitive actions are driven by a stimulus, which then creates electrical impulses called action potentials in our neurons, which then send those signals to other neurons, which eventually reach terminals to release the neurotransmitters which will illicit the outward, physical response to said stimulus (quite simplified). Sometimes, this process can go awry. Sometimes it's induced by a substance. Sometimes, experiencing stressors over and over can cause the malfunction. Other times, it’s genetic. It can be difficult for those of us who have not experienced this process gone faulty to sympathize with and understand those who have experienced this breakdown. But it’s important to comprehend the way this process works, if nothing else, so we can recognize that those of us who are of sound mind should step in and help.

We need to be able detect when the figurative wiring of another human being needs attention and repair. We need to understand it goes beyond telling them to just “suck it up and get it together.” Understanding our own neurophysiology can only improve us as a species. We are a social species. We’re thinking, aware organisms, and regardless of one’s worldview, it’s an objective fact that we must work together and help one another in order to survive and thrive. This is true on a macro-level. This works on micro-levels as well in the form of friends and family. We form tight-knit groups within our species and we come to love those individuals within the group. When we truly love another, we will do anything we can, regardless of circumstance, past occurrences, or how far they’ve fallen to get those neurons firing back on track. Sometimes, we will even allow ourselves to be dragged down with them in doing so.

It bears repeating: people we truly love are not toys we can just grow tired of and place back on the shelf after the novelty wears off. We must exhaust all resources in lifting up and restoring those we love.