An active member of the Boston community, Manisha Jain enjoys undertaking new challenges that transform visions into reality. As president of Ekal Vidyalaya’s New England chapter, Ms. Jain abides by her credo of pursuing excellence coupled with lifelong learning and giving. She lives in Dover, MA with her husband Myank, and loves having her two daughters visit home as often as they can.”
INDIA New England News: What does love mean to you?
Manisha Jain: Love is a deep feeling of attachment, affection, understanding, trust, and respect. It is important to differentiate “love” from being “in love” – the latter is more like an intense avalanche of feelings for that one individual who makes your heart beat faster and tingles your whole being.
INE: In the context of giving or receiving love, some say love can only be given. Do you agree or not and why?
MJ: Love can be given as well as received, as long as the individuals involved agree to be vulnerable and sensitive, completely surrender themselves to the care and affection of another and believe in giving and receiving selflessly and unconditionally. Having said that, I have always wondered what came first? Is it in giving love that we receive, or is it in receiving love, that we give?
INE: If you must choose between love and trust, what would you choose and why?
MJ: Trust always – it is the foundation of a relationship. Love without trust can be toxic and hurtful.
INE: What is the lifespan of romantic love?
MJ: It is lifelong! One never forgets his/her first love – the feelings might abate over time, but the seed is always there. Passion, intimacy, and companionship form the basis of romantic love, and as long as we make a conscious choice of nurturing them, romantic love can be everlasting.
INE: Do you still believe in love the way you had imagined when you were a teenager or in your early 20s?
MJ: Yes, I am a die-hard romantic and for me the definition of love has never changed – it is still that heady feeling that makes me swoon, makes me love unconditionally, and give my all.
INE: Does marriage change the equation of love and why?
MJ: Depends upon the chemistry in the partnership. A marriage based on understanding, trust, and respect will always thrive and keep that love intact. It is when egos come in play, misunderstandings develop, open communication is lost – that the love seems to wane. I have seen many married couples extremely in love even after decades, and on the other hand many who can easily fall out of love in a marriage. So, I think it depends on the individual, rather than the act of marriage.
INE: What is the secret of romantic marriage?
MJ: Constantly reinventing the relationship and finding new ways of adding mystery and excitement, instead of taking the relationship for granted. Along with the cornerstone of trust and respect, we need to show rather than simply feel, keep channels of communication open in order to fuel physical as well as emotional intimacy.
INE: Your favorite romantic Bollywood songs: only two please.
MJ:
- Pal pal dil ke paas tum rehti ho
- Kaun Tujhe yoon pyaar karega.
