Robert Burale explains why love can be fake
By Valerian Khakayi, June 5, 2026Love is often spoken about as one of the strongest human emotions, but according to motivational speaker and pastor Robert Burale, not everything people call love is genuine.
He argues that in many modern relationships, what is described as love is sometimes based on physical attraction or temporary feelings rather than true commitment.
In his view, this kind of love can easily fade when circumstances change.
“Love can be fake; if you love somebody based on their six-pack or their curly hair, the hair will fall off at some point. Purpose for me comes before love; we have had friends never talking to each other because love was superficial,” Burale said.
“Be joined as friends through purpose and not through emotions.”
Speaking during a candid conversation with media personality Chris the Bass, Burale pointed out that attraction based on appearance, such as body features or beauty, can be misleading because physical traits are not permanent.
He added that when relationships are built only on such foundations, they are more likely to collapse when change inevitably happens.
The life coach further explains love using different concepts, including eros and agape.
Eros, in his interpretation, represents physical attraction and emotional desire, which he describes as often shallow and temporary.
“What is love? Eros, agape: Eros is very fleshly; you love fair-skinned women, but tomorrow you will meet one who is lighter. What happens? A woman loves a man with a six-pack. Tomorrow, she sees another who has a six-pack that looks like a seven-pack. What will you do?” he added.
“Then your so-called love will be put to the test.”
Attraction vs love
According to Burale, many people mistake attraction for love.
He challenges the idea of “falling in love”, suggesting that what people often experience is initial attraction rather than a lasting bond.
In his view, real love is tested over time, especially during difficult seasons in a relationship.
“People say they fell in love; what were you doing when you fell? You did not fall in love; you just saw somebody with beautiful lips,” Burale added.
“Love is tested during dark times; anybody who is dating you is tested through the dark season.”
His perspective on true love
He adds that true love is revealed in moments of struggle, when circumstances are not ideal. It is during such times that commitment is tested and emotional connections are either strengthened or broken.
For him, genuine love is not just about emotions or physical attraction. It is about standing together when things become difficult, choosing to stay even when it is not easy, and committing to work through challenges as a team.
“Love is more than a feeling; love is if everybody walks out, I will walk in; love is I know it is tough right now, but I am here; love is we shall get through all this, and love is we shall win,” he explained.
Ultimately, Burale describes true love as resilience and loyalty. It is the decision to remain present, to support one another through hardship, and to believe in building a shared future despite difficulties.