Genuine love...

does not start with an emotion. It begins with a state of consciousness, of clear awareness, of a deep understanding of both the self and the other person. Then, the emotions arising from this are legitimate, natural fruit. Tenderness and affection are among them. When an emotion comes first, it is not genuine love, only a counterfeit, which is really a craving , or passion, or a wish to flee from an unwanted self into the other person. Love is not dependency, idolization, sentimentality, craving, or physical attraction. Human relationships based on these nattributes are strained, ready to break apart at any moment. ... ... ... V. Howard

For me that is correct, I love my love?s mind, all her inside and then all outside. For me love is the true union of the spirit, the true forever bond.

Yeah, a lot of times what we call love is selfish. We only notice and want to love that person for their strengths and how they contribute or may contribute to our physical, mental, and emotional self... and instead of understanding and taking on their weaknesses we ignore them or run... in either case we don't choose to see and understand that person in depth... which is really a result of not being well in tune with our own self... perhaps it's easier to continue living as a blind man rather than to aquire sight...

I somehow agree to both of u . but is it really possible to love all the negatives ... i mean ALL ..... i think its too difficult .... but easy to say

"It is wrong to think that Love comes from long companionship or persevering courtship. Love is the offspring of a spiritual affinity, and unless that affinity is created IN A MOMENT, it will not be created in years or even generations." .... Kahlil Gibran, from "The Broken Wings"

Love is, as Gibran puts it, a "spiritual affinity" - a meeting of two souls on a level that mere senses cannot divine, nor mind can explain. Love is not seen nor heard, and often goes unrecognized. Love is not in looks - it is in hearts and souls!

Not really love the negatives, but choose to love them in spite of their shortcomings... and I'm not talking about sticking with any form of abuse or anything, b/c love has to be reciprocated at the same level some how... and abusive people are incapable of that,anything they try to do will be shallow...And this is referring to all types of relationships not just intimate ones...well all true relationships are intimate but you know what I mean...

Love is not in looks - it is in hearts and souls!"--- this is true,but too often our hearts and souls aren't...

"spiritual affinity" - a meeting of two souls on a level that mere senses cannot divine, nor mind can explain.--- I have "spiritual affinity" with my closest friend... and it's explainable we see reasons and purpose in one anothers life,and because it's a give give relationship we're also satisfying each others need/wants... it wasn't evident at first but I don't believe that anything just happens all is explainable I just think we somethimes get too busy in the world to see. I believe that we are selfish by nature and we tend to give out of that selfishness, therefore we have to have the desire to learn to love others

Many times i think we go by emotions and feelings which will leave you thoughtless and confused and unable to think in the moment, b/c they fluctuate according to our levels of happiness and satisfaction and self esteem. Emotions have their purpose of course, they just need to be under surveillance... I know many women who get taken advantage of b/c the man sees that she's driven by that feeling and as long as he can satisfy that occasionally all is ok, as long as it's unexplainable your heart and intellect are not working on the same levels... and one can fall inyo that blind love

My love one is not easy satisfied, and as far as I know women in general. So I dont believe much in feelings satisfied and its done. But yes woman?s self esteem can be used by men, but so is men?s if woman dont show affection.

I love all in her, because I dont try to explain all, I just love all and thats all, cant explain, just know and feel. I know easy to say, but when I say is said, im all extremes.

But love doesnt mean to be blind, if she does something really wrong I will not be blind about it, but I will love her forever whatever she does.

Love is to lend your coat in a very cold night, but you will not need it and will not be cold, because she warms your heart and mind.

Real love is a partnership. It is the willingness to communicate and listen to your needs and the needs of others. Real love isn't magical, it's very down to earth and real. It is commmittment and the willingness to compromise. Real love is honesty and integrity. Real love isn't selfish, it doesn't force anyone to be anything they don't want to be, real love is acceptance.

The love between "life partners" where two souls are deeply touched is what Gilbran is referring to. Deep lasting Love can not be forced or created over time, it is something felt between two unexpecting souls upon first meeting.

We sometimes call it "chemistry" - that attraction and reaction which occurs when certain people meet. If it's a sexual attraction but lacks a spiritual affinity, then it is Lust. A spiritual affinity without sexual attraction is deep Friendship.

Only when both are present can the attraction be considered a True Love. There will be some attraction in the first moments of meeting, and then a quickly-developing sense of deep friendship, romance, and desire. Only True Love has it all!

Sadly, i believe that not too many people are lucky enough to stumble upon True Love.

sherob, I want to cry...

For the precious and rare possibility of true love and/or for true love itself.

But, what does true love feel like? Since some of us will choose something different for the rest of our lives, will you explain what true lovers do to/for each other?

I was like that MercInAries, still are, but I found the love of my life. I dont have a successful life, still finishing univ.....but I work full time too (late in society time), but going good. So I hope she doesnt leave me because of that 😢

Ocean, in simple ways its care, a care that is forever the same. The understanding, the sharing of all things, the happiness, the joy.. difficult to explain, but I want to do all for her, not obligated, but I feel what she feels, so I feel very good.

Ocean, i do believe True Love is precious and rare as you stated. When you find it, treat with respect, and it will be forever.

To describe what it feels like, really has me stumped because the feeling will be different for different people. In my experience, first of all, it is not jealousy. True love is when you can each be yourselves independently but feel more complete when together. It is an acceptance of each other on every level, and a natural willingness to always be supportive. Your minds are intuitively connected. You can almost feel in your heart when the other person is thinking of you, even if they are not any where near you. Your heart aches when you are forced to be apart and thoughts of him/her are always with you. True love is full of passion and desire.

Thanks, LP & sherob...

I've felt that way for a man. But, eventually, I blew it off because it wasn't fully reciprocal...(He felt lust and friendship for me, I know that, but he told me that he did not love me romantically)...And because feelings/actions were missing from the relationship, I suppose, it wasn't true love.

But, yes, I felt a lot of what you've both described for him.

So, would you say the feeling of true love is like loving yourself then? That you've found true love when you've found the one who loves you like you love them and/or loves you the way in which you would give yourself the very best?...

Maybe i would describe it by saying your mind, body & souls are connected. You feel strong passion/desire and you feel as one. Like no one else in the world matters except the two of you. You both believe in each other, enjoy being together, inspire and stimulate each other and assist in your growth and development both as a couple and as individuals. You are a "well oiled team" with romantic perks!

Beautifully said, and appreciated.

Thats it Sherob, I couldnt explain better, all that is true for me, specially enjoying being together, the inpiration, the growing and the working as team with no effort, its natural and brings joy to life.

That does sound great Sherob... and thats something that has to be worked at... the growth and learning is constant and the willing to do so and sacrafice is beautiful

SG, you are absolutely right about humans, however, i don't believe my description is unrealistic. Also, thank you very much for your compliment. :-) I've thought the same about you.

In addition to my comments above, I believe that when True Love is found a balance is created. The scale may tilt from one side to the other, but if a balance can not be maintained or it leans more to one side, then was it really True Love? Food for thought!

SG, no, its not your "supreme stupidity" as you put it ... you are human and besides that, true love is also about patience.

If he is a runner, you have to (with his help) assess what he is running from. If he is afraid of being hurt, then that is where your patience and understanding kicks in to assist in maintaining the "balance". If he is running because he is not sure how he feels about you, then you have to question if what you too have is "true love". True love does not question!

And not to "toot your horn" too much (haha), but i have read some of your other comments in other threads and, from what i have read you have a lot of valuable insight which i have learned from and you are very skilled at articulating your thoughts.

Well it doesn't have to be a romantic love relationship what about the genuine love shared with friends and family?

For what I know from my love, they will question until they are certain, not steping into insecure terrain, or someone who hurts, or will be hurted (again), or even hurt. I understand her, in this world there is many deceptions, broken hearts, evil.

But just rest a while, life is too short, enjoy love...dont quit, you have potential, I dont forget your help scopiogoat, and is one thing what caps do, they help alot, with heart, no mind enters here.

You ask him, love is about talking about everything. Humm virgo...maybe he will try to escape the question. Dont be unsure of things, you have to make things clear 🙂 Use your power, you have it, dont be afraid 🙂

SG, true love is patience, understanding & mutual respect.

It is possible that he is struggling to find a balance between maintaining his independence and being in a relationship.

If it is true love, your patience and strength will see this relationship through (maintaining the balance).

LostPisces, is right ... it is very important to keep the communication lines open. He needs to feel "safe" sharing his feelings with you. For most men and some women, it is not easy tapping into or even understanding the emotions within. Your intellect is high and i believe you are a girl who can use both your mind and your heart to get to the root of an issue. Your Virgo may need a little help understanding where he is at.

When or how to decide if it is or it isn't true love ... you will just know. No one can tell you. Don't be afraid to listen to heart.

Oh, and from the bottom of heart (i'm a bit sentimental these days) ... SG, LP & Chocolate ... your comments and insight has truly been inspiring for me as well. What a Smart bunch !!!!