[Bells]

I assume you mean loving a partner/spouse, as opposed to parents, friends, other family, children. But in whichever context, I also feel that love must comprise of caring, sharing, trust, as well as communication and respect.

Having grown up believing in all the true-romance stories however, I feel in terms of a partner the expectations become much higher. You come to learn though that a lot of it is fantasy; nothing is perfect at the end of the day, and arguments will most certainly occur. I think you just need to be accepting of this fact - if anything, the occasional argument strengthens your love and relationship. Being crazy in love – and completely/hopelessly romantic (all the romantic candlelit meals, star gazing etc.) doesn’t define love for me at all; a fantasy again, perhaps. Whilst in some relationships it may happen, you need to be more accepting of the reality and instead focus on being faithful. Everyone finds other people attractive – we’re only human – but if I knew despite that, my partner still could tell me everything, found me attractive, truly wanted to be with me and didn’t feel the need to stray … that to me would be a secure, loving relationship.