This quote means that love, in its truest form, is a source of happiness and joy. It suggests that if a relationship is causing you suffering, it’s not love. Coelho is challenging the common misconception that love has to be hard, that it must involve pain, sacrifice, and suffering. This notion often romanticizes unhealthy relationships and perpetuates the belief that love is supposed to hurt.

In essence, Coelho is emphasizing that love should bring you joy, not pain. It should uplift and inspire you, not bring you down. If you find yourself suffering, it’s time to reassess and understand that you might not be in a loving relationship.

Applying this quote to today’s world, especially in the context of personal development, it’s a call to evaluate our relationships and our understanding of love. With high rates of mental health issues and toxic relationships, this quote is a reminder that we need to prioritize our happiness and well-being.

In personal growth, it encourages us to seek relationships that bring joy, positivity, and growth rather than sticking to those causing pain under the guise of love. It’s about understanding that it’s okay to walk away from relationships that cause suffering, and it’s okay to seek happiness.

Moreover, it also highlights the importance of self-love in personal development. We must love ourselves in a way that brings joy and not suffering. Any form of self-love that leads to suffering, such as overworking ourselves or setting unrealistic expectations, isn’t love but a form of self-destruction.

In conclusion, Coelho’s quote is a powerful reminder of what love should and shouldn’t be, and it challenges us to reassess our relationships and redefine our understanding of love. It’s a call to choose joy over suffering, both in our relationships with others and ourselves.