L o v e

With a love between a man and a woman I think that
initially there may be a feeling of tightness in your chest
The feeling that you actually ache for that person 
That no matter what you talk about
it always leaves you wanting more
That each word expressed leaves you craving
the unsaid words
Where you want to immerse yourself on every level
Emotionally, intellectually and physically

Where you can be comfortable in silences
Where you can take off the mask that the rest of the world
sees and truly show your fears and apprehensions
and also your lust and your passion

Where you are willing to shed every emotional barrier 
that has the potential to destroy,
knowing you can trust this person with all of you.

Where you uplift one another rather than challenge 
or belittle out of envy or jealousy, spite or anger

When you are angry or hurt
You care enough to use self control
to consider the impact of your words

Where you truly want the best for THAT person 
and are willing to demonstrate the true meaning of compromise

Finally (if there is a finally)
Where you realize that LOVE is not a NOUN
LOVE is a VERB 
Love requires ACTION, without which it has no future.

All of us have circumstances in our lives that change our 
perspective from time to time
Huge things that can pry us apart
Consider the relative importance of each issue
is it worth jeopardizing your love? 

In an ideal world
Love should make you feel happy
Feel good
Most of the time.