What is love – can it really be defined?

Love is when you care very strongly and very deeply about another person. When you love someone, you are there to support them, you work together to solve problems, you’re willing to stand by this person in good times and bad, and you wish nothing more than to watch and help this person grow.

Are YOU in love, Infatuated or in Lust?

Love: To me Love is best seen as devotion and action, not an emotion. Love is not exclusively based on how we feel. Certainly our emotions are involved, but they cannot be our only criteria for love. True devotion will always lead to action—true love.

Love is letting each other be who we are without fear of censure. Love is facing forward, both fighting for a common goal – both strong, both independent and positively choosing a knowing dependence.

 Love is always leaving the door unlocked and continuing that love when ‘other’ may choose to use the exit. Love is letting go and wishing well. Love is more than what can be expressed in words, love is more than grammar and verbs.

 Love is compassionate and soothing, love can be painful and grueling; but only for growth. Love is not abusive, love is not vindictive, and love is not selfish. Love will not leave you with a black eye and hating yourself. Love is the building blocks of creation, love is the substance from which we are made.

Infatuation: Infatuation puts that silly smile on your face that you can't seem to shake. It fills your mind with wonderful daydreams. And, of course, many love relationships start out as infatuation. It all sounds so wonderful that we may not see the problem when infatuation is mistaken for love. But it's a big problem, and that's why it’s so important to understand the differences between love and infatuation.

If you’ve seen enough TV and movies, you may have already figured out one reason why so many people get confused about love and infatuation. When you’re watching romantic shows or movies, most of what you see is infatuation – people meeting and having a strong, immediate physical attraction.

Unfortunately, they almost always call it love. It isn’t, and we should never try to base our own relationships on such nonsense. Sorry, but there’s no such thing as “love at first sight.” There’s “infatuation at first sight” – which can be amazingly fun and thrilling.

 One of the biggest problems for just about everyone who finds themselves interested in someone else is trying to figure out if you really, really like them, maybe even love them, or if you just have a crush on that person. So when you first meet someone whom you like, don’t worry if it’s true love or just a crush. It’s too soon to tell. But if you’ve been with someone for quite a while and you feel jealous and you feel like you lose all of your energy when you’re around them, then maybe it’s time to figure out if you really like the person or if it was just infatuation.

Lust: The dictionary definition of lust is "1) intense or unrestrained sexual craving, or 2) an overwhelming desire or craving. Lust has as its focus pleasing oneself, and it often leads to unwholesome actions to fulfill one's desires with no regard to the consequences. Lust is about possession and greed.

From the 3 explanations above on  Love, Infatuation & Lust where do you find yourself currently in your present relationship?

7 Points To Note

•True love exists just be in mind that there will be bumps in the road, but if you're truly in love, it won't matter, because you'll face them as a team.

•Don't look for someone perfect, because no one is perfect. The only perfect person is the perfect person for you.

•If there's an argument between you and your partner, give each other some space and time to think afterwards, because if you ask questions in the heat of the moment, you'll most likely get answers you don't like (meaning your partner will say things they don't mean).

•Don't let that person try to change you, and likewise, don't expect the person to change for you.

•Don't rush into things or you'll get hurt:Sex can complicate your feelings.

•Do not marry because of pressure, ultimatums, obligations, guilt, financial security, fear, or even sex. You want to do it for the right reasons, knowing your feelings will endure and that you want to be officially recognized as a couple by everyone and everything that means something to you. Marry to show commitment.

•True love means having great feelings towards someone without sex involved until you both get married then you can have all the fun you want and I assure you your trust and respect levels will be very good.

In conclusion, loving someone and being in love is a very good feeling, but even if you think you love the other person, if that person doesn't return your feelings, don't waste too much time hoping that your love interest changes his or her mind. You'll have other opportunities to find someone who is ready to create a real and lasting partnership.

Thanks for taking out your precious time to read this piece.

Hoping to read your comments on what you think about the word LOVE.