Paul tells his readers that another characteristic of love is that “love doesn’t boast.” (1 Corinthians 4) Love is not boastful because you suddenly lack pride, but because you don’t feel the need to boast. Boasting is a consequence of feeling inadequate, of not feeling accepted by the one you love. If you truly love, you don’t feel a need to put on airs. During a new relationship, one tries to impress the new guy or gal, especially during the “in love” phase. You don’t need to impress, nor do you feel a need to impress, those you love. It is those you don’t know, who are new to you, that you feel a need to impress, or those that you are unsure of, like your boss or coworkers or acquaintances.

The more the insecurity, the more the need to start listing one’s accomplishments and attributes, or flaunting them. When one is comfortable, one doesn’t need to show off. That’s why the husband doesn’t feel the need to put on fancy clothes and cologne and suck in his gut when he is with his wife of thirty years.

Love is comfortable.

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