yes, but how many trials and tribulations can we go through together before we decide that we are in love? or does the mere fact that we didn't let these other issues break us apart show us how much we really do love each other?

I fall as easily as I can! I'm like the biggest fan of people falling in love or even in like. People get so up tight about love and have this huge fear of being hurt but I treasure every moment I get to spend on "the love boat" or in the "love shack". True, people get to know each other and split many/most times (from what I have seen) because of things that make us so different from each other, but would I want to wipe out the oppertunity that the potential offers? No way! I love like, I like love and I love love. Do I worry about how fast? Nope, no time for it. If it's not going to work out that doesn't mean I stop wanting the best for them. What kind of jerk doesn't want the best for someone else? The kind that is not ready for the real thing.

We're always looking at people from our side out instead of a mutual side in it seems from what I read. To me this is all screwed up. I don't, repeat don't want what is best for me. I want what is best for us. When I share love on a daily basis you know what this makes me? Lovable! And I find so many have a hard time with this concept, but it works for me just fine. So your not right for me, doesn't mean I do not want your very best any way. If I was interested enough to test the waters why would I not be interested enough to be happy for you on your search. The prospect of finding a mate should be the happiest adventure there is and it is nothing shy of shocking to me that folks can be so negative about it. I'm fascinated about it and love watching others as well as me go through the process. Fascinated by it!

Can love hurt? Sure why not, but if you know how to move on (when not fixable) and not stick around for either being pained or giving pain you will usually see that it is a natural process of growing. Love itself will never hurt you, you learning how to love through experience might, but doesn't need to over take you. Love, and falling in love is so natural and I think we need to give it, it's credit due. Love is about learning how to love and becoming lovely. We can shut the door on this great adventure or we can thank our lucky stars we were not born a rock. If you were born a person, you were born with the greatest of gifts, potential.

you're right, sweetestgirl... I think my mind was focusing on an evolving relationship when I posed that question, so thank you for pointing out that like doesn't always grow more fondly... and it seems that you and I are attracted to similar traits in men... while being put off by their other less tasteful proclivities...

yes, I can see the sexy in them too...

Anybody who has been over 97% in Love with Some1 in their Past will take Something out of dis World 2 get back in Real Love. Like, on the Other Hand, is quite Easy

I can see the wisdom in your message, mg, thank you for sharing it with us...

good point... love is so grand why would we spend a minute of life not in it, or pursuing it...

This is difficult, not because love is hard, but to quantify it is near impossible. Love, the kind that lasts, is unconditional. So to add any conditions that outline the onset of love is to, by its very inception, negate love. The nature of love is ethereal and cannot be cast down in the muck and mire with a checklist of body dimensions, hair color, dentition, or any other such nonsense. A f*** buddy or FWB can be so coldly chosen, but a lover happens when least you expect it. I believe the trick is to be yourself, and do not impose any "conditions" on finding love. God willing it will happen.

Its not so easy. Theres so much trust involved and by the time I can fall in love, hes done something to kill it.

So it Must be yu then, not him

He has to have high moral standards and a true Faith in God. I do not want a fornicating man.

After that emotional connection it would be easy to fall inlove.

I love easily and quickly.

I can't see any reason to hold back, it's much easier to just give everything.

It doesn't always work out, but you make some great friends along the way, people who leave happy memories and stay close to your heart always. You dont have to stop loving just because your not together

I think my original question is so simple... what is it about another person that first draws you to them in like? And yet many haven't answered this directly, as if we don't know what draws us to each other, or we just don't want to say it out loud?

okay, I'll spill...

to me, the first thing that catches my eye is their physical appearance, and if I like what I see it's easier to open up because I'll want to know more about them... and the initial qualities I admire are honesty, intelligence, humor, a passionate nature, and the ability to catch my attention and keep me focused on them, then the rate by which my feelings of like become deeper will depend on how we interact over time... if their personal qualities are as attractive and relatable on the inside as they are on the outside... maybe this is shallow, but like to love isn't that difficult of a transition for me...

okay...

amen, toody...

if I didn't know better, josie, I'd swear we were twins separated at birth only to have miraculously found each other on Mingle...

seriously, we are so similar in belief and practice it's almost spooky...

Yep; I agree with what she said.

hi navygirl, good to see you back from your weekend away...

Thanks. It was fun and I found myself a great new job; so all is perfect in my little world.

excellent news then... will it be permanent?