Nurturing Growth

Love includes nurturing growth. The Mature Lover supports others in becoming more fully themselves, developing their gifts, and realizing their potential. His nurturing creates conditions for flourishing.

The Addict smothers growth through neediness and control. He needs others to stay dependent on him. The Hermit neglects growth, providing no support or encouragement. He's too disconnected to nurture anyone. The Mature Lover nurtures growth wisely.

Nurturing growth requires:

Seeing potential: The Lover sees what others can become, not just what they are now. He holds a vision of their possibility.

Encouragement: The Lover provides genuine encouragement and support for others' development. His belief in them helps them believe in themselves.

Challenge: The Lover challenges others to grow beyond their comfort zones. He doesn't let them stay small. Growth requires challenge.

Space: The Lover gives others space to grow at their own pace. He doesn't force or control their development.

Resources: The Lover provides or connects others with resources they need for growth—knowledge, skills, opportunities, connections.

Celebration: The Lover celebrates others' growth and achievements. He delights in their flourishing.

Nurturing growth is different from fixing or rescuing. The Lover supports others' own development rather than doing it for them. He creates conditions for growth rather than forcing it.

What we nurture in ourselves will grow; that is nature's eternal law. The same is true for what we nurture in others.

The Lover who masters nurturing growth becomes someone in whose presence others flourish. His care enables development. His love helps others become fully themselves.