[WildChild]

In my reading I've read about soul families, the concept being that you are part of a soul group which interacts over and over through lifetimes. Sometimes it's positive other times negative -we can be attracted even though it's not good. But there is always a connection there.

When the LOML and I met (we've talked about it this, we both felt it) it was more like recognizing than just meeting. The attraction was immediate and powerful, we agreed that whatever went on between us or in our lives, having come together we would always be friends, even if we were to not see each other for years the connection would still be there. That's another level or aspect of loving. Some people, friends or loversm enter our lives and if or when they leave, they are just a memory, the connection goes with them and if you meet again you are barely more than strangers.

[ThexMrs]

To me, personally, this is the best way that I've ever heard it described:

Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being "in love" which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. We had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two.

[Sprite]

That was described very well!

Do you guys think it's possible for one person to feel it before the other one realizes it?

[WildChild]

For myself, I can only go so far without reciprocation. Guess I'm not into the unrequited love thing. I need reciprocation to take it to a higher level.

[Texinator]

It's definitely a two way street. If one person always gives and the other always receives, then there is no balance..

[Guest]

I always know I'm in love when I cross that point where I look at them one day and realize that their happiness is as important to me (or more important) then my own. Knowing I would do anything to make them happy and to see them be happy even if that meant letting them leave. It always hits me when I least expect it (or I guess I mean I realize it when I least expect it).

I agree. Ky hit the nail on the head.

[sourpuss]

I read a quote the other day that said: 'Love is wanting to make someone happy rather than making yourself happy' (or something like that)

I have to agree.

[WildChild]

This thread is getting a lot about love, which is a great topic but I'm still trying to sort out the original "in love". Feelings can be awfully hard to define.

[Sprite]

Yes WC, I agree.

There are a lot of definitions here about love, but I want to find out about being 'in love'.

[Hopeless Dork]

I think you know you love someone when you genuinly care about their happiness more than your own, you consider their feelings without them ever even having to ask you to.

When your days are better with them, than they ever would be without them.

When you wake up feeling like you have something to look forward to, every. single. day., just because they are in your life.

When you can truly be yourself, and not compromise any parts of your identity in this persons presense and feel totally comfortable doing so.

I think when you love someone, you are so connected that you are unable to be happy if they are sad.

So connected that hearing them laugh, watching them smile , knowing they feel good... warms your insides and lifts your spirits , no matter your initial mood.

Its a feeling so pure you KNOW... its a gift. You know you are choosing to place your heart on your sleeve, consequences be-danged.

When you no longer feel alone in this world, when you feel you have that someone that embraces you just as you are, that will stand by your side , and be there for you when you need them the most and they feel the same? I think thats love.