Definition of Love: What is Love

Dictionaries have different meanings for this word. But when I think about it, my mind conjures up images of all kinds of beautiful things that I have always associated with love. Flowers, chocolates, candle light dinners, hearts, soft toys, clothes and perfumes, (I hope I haven't left anything out!) these are the words that have become synonymous with love ... but what about the feelings and emotions associated with it!

I remember growing up with stars in my eyes and love songs ringing through my ears. Slowly my dreams grew bigger and I started waiting for my Prince Charming to come along and take me with him to a beautiful land where we would be surrounded by servants, good clothes, flowers and jewelry. One day I realized the truth about love ... that it was much more than material comforts and gains.

Believe me when I say that this is one of the most important ingredients of love. It is important to open ones heart and share - your happiness, your sorrows, your fears, your victories... everything, it really does not matter, as long as the heart is clear.

Love is being honest and knowing that the other person feels the same way too, it is sharing and losing ones inhibitions and knowing that the person on the other side will never be judgmental.

Yes, love is talking. It is about speaking, telling and sharing. After some time people restrict their conversations to discussing bills, children and pets. This is a sure indicator of things going down hill.

Bring the spark back by starting a conversation. Talking can help solve matters that otherwise might lead to misunderstandings. Another aspect of that is listening. Talking is useless if the other person is not listening. Learn to listen too.

A few minutes spent together everyday keeps the boredom away. I just made this up right now, but it is because I feel there is nothing like time invested in a relationship...believe me, it pays!

Heavy work schedule takes up much time and effort, so it is important to get things into perspective. Spending time with each other will let you understand the other person better, help you know them better. And I believe that it gives the relation a different feel.

When you love someone, you have to trust them. Love without trust is not possible. When you open your heart to someone, you have to trust them to take care of it, forever. Trust means that you have the confidence in the other person that they will keep their promises, be faithful and be there for you always.

To love means to be true, to love unconditionally means to give with all your heart to one, and only one. Being faithful in a relationship is very important, in love... it is the next thing to trust. Love is when you realize that that person is the best thing that has happened to you and you want to cherish that person and the moments spent with them, till death do you part.

Love is being friends with each other. Enjoying simple pleasures in life like shopping, catching a movie or watching television at home, apart from a host of other things that "Friends" normally do! You have to tell them your secrets and keep theirs, be there for each other, and respect and trust each other.

And, as clichéd as this may sound... Love is looking together in the same direction, having the same goals and taking steps in that direction to make them come true.

I would like to end with one of my favorite quotations by D. H. Lawrence:

"Love is the flower of life, and blossoms unexpectedly
and without law, and must be plucked where it is found,
and enjoyed for the brief hour of its duration."