Elizabeth Taylor Queen of Love Sabotage? I Don't Think So...

Elizabeth Taylor, Love, Marriage and Life

Married three times and widowed by the time she was 26, no one can deny that Elizabeth Taylor led a complicated life when it came to romance.  She went on to be married 6 more times.  And yet, her romances with men paled when compared to the true love of her life.

Typical of many Scarletts, Taylor's capacity for love went far beyond what we typically define as love in this culture.  The superficial drama of her love life, paraded in the press all these years, was trumped by her passion for changing the world view about the HIV and Aids community.

Tenacious and courageous, Elizabeth Taylor used her fame to direct attention to what was at the time was the leprosy of our day.  While most turned away and put their head in the sand, this brave woman stood her ground and used her fame to speak for the unlovable and forgotten.

Why couldn't she find lasting love?  Who is to say she didn't?  She may have had a revolving door when it came to men, but she charmed and enchanted each one.  Long time friend Larry King believed the love of her life was Mike Todd and that she never got over his death when she was but 26.  Today's brain research would support the idea that severe shock from sudden loss of love would send this sensitive woman spiraling.

The brain releases stress chemicals designed to protect and preserve life.  The experience of tremendous loss can send such a terrifying wave of panic that some spend an entire lifetime trying to avoid feeling like that again.  The unconscious drive to feel safe makes many Scarletts sabotage relationships before they are mature just to avoid another numbing loss.

Ironically, the loneliness that is experienced serves Scarletts like Elizabeth Taylor as she turned her huge capacity for Real Love to the world at large.  Putting her personal life aside, she took on a cause that changed the world.  She single handedly and forever turned the culture's view of the gay and lesbian community around. 

What is Elizabeth Taylor's legacy?  Her life is proof positive of the multidimensional love few experience.  Were her relationships a train wreck?  Some might say so.  But what I see is a woman who navigated a difficult life in the public eye.  She found love where she could and commanded respect throughout her life.   Everyone loved her. 

In spite of relationship heartbreak repeated again and again, this brilliant Scarlett found a way to attract the love of the world.  This is the true legacy.  Love is way bigger than romance.  If you are a Scarlett who has yet to find a partner to love, take your passion and focus outward.  Be loving toward someone who can give you nothing in return.   Focus on finding love OUTSIDE of romance and make a difference.

I hope everyone will take time today to love someone who is unlovable in her honor.