What is love?

[SoleSource]

How do you know when you are 'in love' or he/she is 'in love' with you?

Neither has happened to me yet..

Don't be too worried about that. 'In love' can be a very irrational state of mind leading to impulsive, obsessive actions/thoughts, heightened awareness, great passions, is not always very sensible and can lead to some horrendous mistakes :) 'Love' is a lot simpler and more relaxing. You can love anyone and anything. There's no limit to love, just variations of intensity. How do you know when someone genuinely loves you?.... 'actions speak louder than words'.

I knew a couple in their 80s who had been childhood sweethearts and together ever since. It was the DW's birthday and the DH had bought her some new winter boots which she was modelling for the rest of us. 'Look at that' he said to me with genuine pride and a huge smile, 'she's always had smashing legs'. :)

Aah cogito! You've brightened my day with that post, thank you!

I have loved but not sure I've been loved :(

Still hold out hope that I might find the right man for me in the end.

Cogito lovely lovely story. I hope I always remember it!

And I agree being 'in love' can actually be hell and lead to some terrible decisions and for me many cringe worthy moments when I look back on them.

Love is much better. My dh is my best friend, we laugh, cry and play together and he feels like my partner in crime. Making decisions together feels less scary as we're in it together. That's not to say we don't annoy each other because of course we do but I'd rather be annoyed by him than anyone else .

We are very lucky to not only have each other but appreciate each other and not take advantage of us or our relationship. It's very hard work though!

That's fantastic!!! Being a pianist myself, maybe that's how I'll know when I've finally found true love.... they'll want to play piano with me :) (So far no-one ever has ... sigh)

Cog, that story is so heartwarming :) I went all gooey, which is not usual for cynical old me.

My DB doesn't often say sentimental things, but he was explaining how a good relationship should be when I was agonising over leaving my not-good one. "[DW] and I together are greater than the sum of our parts. We help each other to be better people."

And then I looked at ThreeTomatoes' link and went even gooier. There goes my reputation.

Thankyou all :)