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Defining Love

© Michele KayD

Way back when the romance suite debuted, the first issue presented was defining romance, and more specifically, what avenue of romance this forum would highlight. Check out the early days of Defining Romance, which outlines the classic romance belief system. This models a of view of love and relationships which is still the aim here.

Now, a year and eight months later, it's time to attack the next level. A recent discussion forum brought the entire notion of what love is and isn't to the forefront of consciousness. So, this week's "net space" is being dedicated to that specific topic. There are so many questions and inconsistencies to bring to light. Exactly what is this phenomenon we refer to as love? What does it consist of? What does it require? How does it feel? What is its purpose (if there is one)? What does it mean?

There is really only one fact that is consistent in processing these deep issues: everyone views love a bit differently and there is no all-inclusive meaning for love. Each individual relates unique feelings, impressions and responses regarding this entity. Although people have separate beliefs about love, it still is an all-powerful, timeless, universal language.

Love can be a bittersweet term inspiring artists, poets, musicians, writers and those from virtually any and every walk of life to seek its expression or to express it through their visions. Below is an array of personal beliefs, philosophies, insights, and impressions of love throughout the ages.

• "Love is space and time made directly perceptible to the heart." - Marcel Proust

• "Love is love, and the forms that you get it in are what make everything in life tolerable. We've got to learn hard things in our lifetime, but it's love that gives you the strength." - Drew Barrymore

• "...If there was such a thing as immortality, love was probably at its heart." - Norman Garbo

• "We love being in love, that's the truth of't." - William Makepeace Thackery

• "Love is patient and kind, It is not jealous or conceited or proud; Love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; Love does not keep a record of wrongs; Love is not happy with evil, but rejoices in the truth. Love never gives up; And its faith, hope and patience never fails. Love is eternal." - I Corinthians 15

• "To love is to admire with the heart; to admire is to love with the mind." - Theophile Gautier

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