A two-way love 14

Often, we tend to judge others, offer opinions on situations, and comment on subjects based on what we know, what we believe, or what we think we know and believe. What is perception in a romantic relationship? 'To perceive without knowing is merely a preconceived idea,' because it is better to build on two alternative realities than to build on erroneous data.

—Herick: Were you also invited to Melissa's birthday party?

—Max: Yes, I was invited, but so far, I have no idea what I could get her as a gift.

—Herick: Bah! It’s easy enough, you know her; you were friends, so you just need to think about it a bit more, or otherwise, you could just ask her yourself.

—Max: And you? Do you know what you’re going to get her?

—Herick: No idea, but one thing is certain: it won't need to be as nice as yours will have to be! Speaking of asking, I saw you talking to Melissa recently, and afterward, she seemed a bit lost and sad. What were you two talking about?

—Max: Nothing important, just that she had invited me to her birthday, and I told her I had forgotten.

—Herick: Max! Max! Max! What is your problem? What is wrong with you?

—Max: What do you mean?

—Herick: You know full well that Melissa is still in love with you.

—Max: In love with me? I don't think so; I doubt it works that way. I saw it with my own eyes, and from what I can understand, she is happier without me. You yourselves told me so.

—Herick: If you haven't asked her, how do you know? That is only a supposition based on what you perceive.