I honestly think understanding is the bridge to love.
Even if you don't understand somebody, it's understanding that you simply don't understand them but that obviously that doesn't dismiss them and you can love because you realize your lack of understanding is your own.
Understanding creates connection.
Love is the giving/receiving of the human heart and that means connection, even if just felt by one heart.
It's the feelings of disconnection and separation that often creates defensiveness, etc, and not the open connection shared in the presence of love.
