The best way to define something is to list its characteristics. One important aspect of romantic love is the desire to be in the presence of a particular person. One wishes to be approved by that person, to care for and be cared for by that person. One would make sacrifices for him or her. Love includes the desire to join physically with that person and to be intimate. One wishes to know all about that person. If these characteristics are present but are not intense, this is probably a case of “like,” not love.

To love someone means one is pleased by that person’s physical appearance – and approves of his or her manner and way of talking. One cannot get enough of that person and wants to be constantly nearby. For love to be mature, one must learn to respect the person one loves and identify with his or her values. We are proud of our loved one’s accomplishments, saddened by his or her disappointments. We want our relationship to go on forever and trust that it will. In many instances, when passion lessens, the relationship ends. When love is real, it becomes a commitment. We give up ideas of the same type of relationship with someone else. Love brings continuous increases in the degree of caring. If love is not reciprocated, we suffer. Such are the joys and pains of love.

Love is a Great Thing

Love is a great thing, yea, a great and thorough God. By itself it makes that is heavy light; and it bears evenly all that is uneven.

It carries a burden which is no burden; it will not be kept back by anything low and mean; it desires to be free from all worldly affections, and not to be entangles by any outward prosperity, or any adversity subdued.

Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of trouble, attempts what is above its strength, pleads no excuse of impossibility. It is therefore able to undertake all things, and it completes many things, and warrants them to take effect, where he who does not love would faint and lie down.

Though weary, it is not tired; though pressed it is not straitened; though alarmed, it is not confounded; but as a living flame it forces itself upwards and securely passes through all.

Love is active and sincere, courageous, patient, faithful, prudent and manly.