Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

To be my self, your self, our selves is much more difficult than I understood at fifteen.

It is interesting that Erhmann combines being one's self with loving others. In losing ourselves we may find ourselves. A full encounter with the other enhances the potential for ecstasy: ek (outside) stasis (equilibrium, standing still). At fifteen we are, perhaps, more open to this wisdom than at fifty. As we age there is an inclination to stability. That is a bad goal. Change is inevitable. Growth is good. Stasis is death. Ecstasy is possible.

Love returns - and falls dormant - and returns - and falls dormant - and will return, if we are open to its returning. Even the grass will not return until Spring opens its heart.