Love is one of those words that can’t simply be defined. Love is to be seen, felt, experienced, and so much more. Love is also to be taught; so today we are drawing lessons from some unusual mentors – penguins (yes, penguins). Beyond their tuxedo-like skin and adorable antics, penguins can teach us a few valuable lessons about love.
1. Communication is key.
Being among the most social types of birds, penguins are known to use different vocalization techniques and behaviors in interacting with one another. They realize that communication is necessary for staying together, taking care of offspring, settling “arguments,” and eventually calming down. Whatever needs to be said is just a shriek away – a nice, definite, non-sarcastic shriek.
2. Love is meant to be shown.
Penguins hugging, kissing, and being sweet to each other is not a sight merely invented for Happy Feet. Penguins are actually affectionate creatures. They never have to worry about their voices being lost in a sea of sounds. Penguins can develop different frequencies only their partners can recognize. You must admit, being “in tune” with our partner when it comes to showing our love is not such a bad idea.
3. Responsibilities are to be shared.
Even penguins know that healthy relationships involve mutual effort. In doing things like keeping eggs warm, maintaining nests, and providing food for the young, male and female penguins recognize the importance of working together and being responsible with their respective tasks.
4. There is value in monogamy.
In 2012, The Telegraph UK reported a pair of Magellanic Penguins to be “among the most faithful of couples in the animal kingdom,” with a monogamous relationship spanning 16 years. (Penguins typically live for about 20 years after breeding.) Think about what that means in the human equivalent. I, for one, wouldn’t mind that at all.
5. Love is meant to be enjoyed.
One reason why many people are fond of penguins is because of their happy and carefree disposition. Penguins occasionally pause to take a look at where they came from and where they are going. In the face of their natural enemies and everyday concerns, these creatures remember to appreciate the great sceneries around them. While they’re at it, they play and wallow in the greatness of their environment too.
For each of us who inevitably gets caught up in the worries and fears our relationships may bring, isn’t it worthwhile to appreciate life as it is? In learning to enjoy the beauty of every season and every person, we may gain the inspiration we need to go about life gracious and content, just like penguins do.