What Is Forbidden Love? Everything You Need to Know

Listen to this article

Forbidden love is so strong and desirable in movies, books, or even in songs that it can make you want to be in one.

Romeo and Juliet are one of the most famous forbidden love examples. They loved each other, but their families were against it. It was a tragic love story, a forbidden love that caused pain, suffering, and, ultimately, death.

But what is it about forbidden love that makes it so appealing?

Somehow, the more challenges that come between you and the love of your life, the more you feel intense longing and love. It’s like the pain intensifies your love for each other.

In this article, we’ll discuss the forbidden love taboo and if it’s worth fighting for.

What does forbidden love mean?

When you say forbidden love, it entails two people who are deeply in love with each other but can’t be together.

There could be many reasons why their love couldn’t be.

Forbidden love refers to a love that is very strong, but due to external circumstances, it would be hard or even impossible for them to be together.

For some, a love that couldn’t be would be enough reason for them to fall apart, but for others, it’s a fight they are willing to endure.

What is an example of forbidden love?

Aside from the famous Romeo and Juliet, another example of forbidden love would be the forbidden love of Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan.

The renowned novel, “The Great Gatsby,” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, tells a story about a mysterious but wealthy man, Jay Gatsby, who becomes obsessed with Daisy Buchanan.

The problem is that Daisy is already married, and even though they start to have an affair, their taboo relationship has tragic consequences.

Much like in this novel, one form of forbidden love example is when a man and a woman fall in love, but both are already married or committed to one another.

When thinking about what is forbidden love, understand that it could also be love that you are in love with the ex of your sister or best friend.

These are just examples of love that is intoxicating but also condoned by society, a forbidden love.

What makes love forbidden?

No one wants to experience the forbidden love that we’re talking about, but life has a funny way of making us fall in love with the wrong person or the right person but in the wrong situation.

The love between two people can be considered forbidden for several reasons. Here are some examples of why your love, no matter how strong, couldn’t be:

– One or both of you are already married

– You are in love with someone who doesn’t love you back

– You are not from the same religion

– You are in love with the ex of a family member

– You are in love with a family member or a relative

– You are not allowed to choose your partner because of arranged marriage.

There are other factors why some love affairs are considered taboo or unacceptable. Nonetheless, the idea of forbidden love only increases its appeal.

Why a person may feel drawn to “forbidden love”

Why is the forbidden love taboo so addicting?

Is it the “you and me against the world” thinking? Is it the length of challenges you must face just to be together?

The main reason why forbidden love is so appealing is that both parties think that their love is enough to test everything that goes their way.

According to Maggie Martinez, a licensed clinical social worker:

Usually, these lovers wear rose-colored glasses and often aren’t realistic about the consequences.

They vow to do their best to achieve that happily-ever-after ending we all want.

While it’s exciting, rebellious, and challenging to pursue a love that is forbidden, it’s important to realize that if you continue seeking this love could lead to consequences.

When can the pursuit of “forbidden love” be problematic?

When you are involved in a forbidden love, sometimes, your judgment could become clouded.

The couple involved may decide to pursue the love they are fighting for, but in the process, they could experience problems.

This decision could harm familial and social consequences, emotional hurt, and even legal consequences.

Just as Maggie Martinez suggests:

Due to the nature of what could happen, couples tend to ignore reality.

Forbidden love is not allowed for a reason, so it’s essential to think about it before pursuing this relationship.

Is “forbidden love” worth it?

Every love story is unique. This means that no one could tag your forbidden love as worth it because of your unique circumstances.

Only you and your loved one could analyze whether your fighting is worth it.

It’s understandable that when you are deeply in love, whether it’s forbidden or not, you want a happy ending, but what about the consequences of forbidden love?

Are you ready to face the consequences?

If you are, and if you have thought about the social, familial, and legal impact of this decision, then maybe, it is worth it.

Ultimately, only you can answer this question.

How do you get rid of forbidden love?

If you have decided to get rid of this forbidden love, then start with these steps:

Accept the attraction: Know why you are in love and want to pursue this forbidden love.

Distant yourself: The best way to move on is to create distance. This is not just physical distance but also emotional distance. Cut off all communication.

Seek professional help: Professional help doesn’t just work on couples counseling. They could also help people who want to move on.

Love yourself: Focus on yourself and your growth. Find new hobbies, redirect your focus, and know you deserve better.

Clinical social worker Maggie Martinez further explains:

You must process the loss of a relationship in order to progress in the next relationship.

Moving on from forbidden love can be challenging, but it’s possible.

Think that you’re experiencing anxiety or depression. Don’t worry; in this episode of Therapy in a Nutshell, Emma McAdam, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, tackles 6 proven ways to process your feelings.

Final thoughts

Forbidden love hurts, but it’s also addicting.

You want to fight for the person and your love story, but remember there is a reason why your love couldn’t be.

Think about it, reflect, and before fighting for it, you have to be sure you’re willing to accept the consequences.

If not, then there’s only one option – to move on.