ions that replace love. He states:“Sexual gratification, of course, diminished sexual desire for the time being. But it does more. It changes love. The longing may become gratitude; the desire tenderness; love may become affectionate companionship –“. He goes on to say: “One thing is certain though: if the relationship is stabilized, love is replaced by other emotions” (318). Herein lies the variance. Love is not replaced by affection. Rather, it accompanies it. Emotional and physical desires, which are love, are expressed and realized through sex. It may be satiated for a short time upon climactic release but it is ever present. It is reoccurring and remains perpetual as long as the relationship is positive and stable. It serves to emphasize and strengthen the affections felt between them. This scenario of defining a relationship and that love is ever present is not limited to gay couples. It is also becoming a practice in the world of heterosexual relationships. They are starting to forego the institutional norm and turn away from religious and social obligation. In its place, they are putting their feelings and likelihood for happiness first. Whether gay or straight, it is focused down to one motivation – to give and receive love freely and whole-heartedly. This practice may be disturbing for some and conservatives may argue that it is unthreading the moral fabric of our society – “but God nowhere promised to make this a simple world” (316). ...
