What is love?

No, seriously. What does love mean to you? I'm not talking about love between parent and child, or friends or siblings; I'm talking about romantic love.

I know what I believe, but I don't want to say until I see what you think. There are so many factors, dynamics and ideals to consider when talking about love, don't you think? I mean ... is love an emotion? A feeling? Both? Is it a matter of the heart, or something more cerebral? Both? Does one "fall" in love, or "grow" into love? Is there just one "one and only" out there for each person; or are there several that would "work"? Is there really such a thing as a soulmate? How about the saying "opposites attract" -- is it true? Why? Is the phrase "you complete me" only a romantic ideal, or a reality? If it is a reality, why? How? Do people today truly take their wedding vows seriously? Do brides and grooms these days really know what they're saying when they say them? Do they realize the full impact behind them? Has marriage become part of our throw-away society? What is love? Is it a universal phenomenon, or an individual perspective?

Why am I asking all of this? Because I think the word "love" and its meaning is taken completely for granted, and is way over-used. So c'mon, tell me what you think! What you believe. What you live.

Don't be shy now. ;)

Love is... knowing that you are safe... finding your happiness in his/her happiness... giving 100% to him/her... holding hands in the movies... love is always being there, and having someone you can depend on being always there.

Thoughtfully shared by: Beverly at July 8, 2003 07:13 AM

True love is there for keeps. Through good times and in bad, couples "In Love" never stop growing more "in love." Staying happy and content requires tending each other with TLC- Trusting, Listening, Caring, Understanding, Communication,a little Romance, lots of laughter and fun... and a splash of spontaneity to help keep that passion alive!!
EVOLE contains love backwards and within. Love evolves. Evolve your love.

Thoughtfully shared by: Debbie at July 8, 2003 08:33 PM

Oh, and I forget to mention that all important word--Sharing! Okay, that's it from ME! lol

Thoughtfully shared by: Debbie at July 8, 2003 09:13 PM

Love is treating people with kindness and respect. It's accepting people for who they are inside, regardless of their faults and shortcomings. It's being a good friend and taking time to let someone lean on you when they're hurting. Love is being willing to compromise without making the other people involved feel badly. Love is treating everyone as you would like to be treated - and hopefully you're a person who wants to be treated well! :)

Thoughtfully shared by: D at July 9, 2003 01:24 AM

Lets see..as for my experience Love is a feeling but is also something more logical. After being married for a long time you probably don't act and feel the same way you did when you first met. So this is when your brain needs to help you keep it in check. To remind yourself that it's more than the physical part of it.
As for me I totally believe in soul mates and how hard they are to find. I can totally say that Patrick is my soul mate. We are so alike even though we look so different and we come from different cultures. I feel complete with him. He encourages, motivates makes me laugh and builds me up. He is my best friend.
As for my wedding vows we take them very seriously. Life throws some curveballs and you have to remain strong and stay committed. We have only known each other for 4 years and almost being married for 3 so I know we have a long road ahead of us, but I think if you remember why you got married and don't let the every day routine kill your marriage things will be ok. Sure temptation is out there but the pasture isn't always greener on the other side..

ok that is what I think...Any questions ((wink))

Thoughtfully shared by: Martie at July 10, 2003 01:01 AM

Love cannot be described. I have found that for me, love is just there. I don't know why it's there, logically, when I analyze some of the things my partner does, I ask myself. Why do I love you? And I never have an answer, I just know that I feel complete with him, I care deeply for him, I never want to see harm come to him, but I don't know why. It's just something very deep within me.

Thoughtfully shared by: David at September 23, 2003 04:53 PM

love for me is something you really can't explain, but felt in all your senses. Love is something you have to give in and expect nothing in return. It is the most precious gift that God has given us. Love is never selfish. it doesn't have pride. You know that it is love when you say "i love you" even when the other person is saying bad against you. something that you only have and can't exchange it to gold or other precious. Love is when your ready to sacrifice your life for a friend.

Thoughtfully shared by: hazel at April 13, 2004 01:27 AM