Great input jistme, I think we know more about love from the bible than anywhere else. SHoes you're halirous and it's good to see you lovin jill & Lilith. It is a grand feeling when someone tells you that they love you. no matter in what degree.

Absolutely .. and in the words of the imortal John Lennon ," all you need is love."

Very well spoken..in fact, I almost titled this post, 'all you need is love' but I'm just sitting here watching my wheels go round n round. i really love to watch em gooooooo.

Surely you know what love is, sexyklp. It's that little thing that gives you butterflies in your tummy when a certain individual is around. I bet you had many.

Tommy said:
“'so what am I so afraid of' lyrics from the bubble gum group known as the Patridge Family, I think. We all say 'I love pizza, seafood, pets, flowers, music, dancing, friends, family, certain things but do we really love them or do we have certain degrees for our love. AND do we fear telling someone we love them without it meaning intimacy??”

The rest of that song went like this “I’m afraid I’m not sure of..” indicating romantic love, perhaps a young person for the first time…

First off, I would like to discuss different types of love.

Affection
We feel it when we are in the presence of a person (or object) over time. We do not have to agree with the person that we feel affection for necessarily, but it speaks to a bond that has grown over the course of time. I feel this type of love offers the widest scope as bonds are created between the young and old alike, regardless of class or other social distinctions.

Friendship
There is of course a difference between friends and lovers.

Lovers... speak of their love for each other to one another, face to face. They seek privacy.

Friends... do not need to speak of their friendship, rather it is accepted as a given. We see them side to side, enjoying a common interest or goal. Friends seek companionship.

Eros
This type of love includes sexuality, but not just that. I believe it is a shadow of Agape love, as Eros is a type of love that is not selfless.

Charity/Agape love balances the others. With this love we notice, endure, enjoy and appreciate the people who are in our lives. As a garden needs rain, sunshine and care to bring out its complete beauty so Affection, Friendship and Eros are completed with Agape love.

Why people may be afraid, or rather reluctant to say that they love someone may be fear of rejection, anxiety that their love will not be wanted. However, I feel it can be more damaging to the person who may want to share that love, and yet withhold it.

Others may prefer to show someone they love them by their actions rather than words. That may have been a part of the environment in which they were raised.

There is no ‘I” in love, rather it should be selfless. When we are generous in giving it should be matched by the same measure of generosity in judgment. The gifts of God, including his mercy, come freely to those who freely pass them on to others.

In that sense, we need to be aware of the other person’s feelings and background rather than expect them to be as we are. I believe people can learn by example, so If one shows love to another by accepting them as they are and gently with love let them know they are appreciated and it is okay for them to verbalize their feelings then perhaps some of those barriers can be eliminated.

(Luke 6.27-38 speaks of the Law of Love)

The "L" word, what a scary thought, I'd rather face lions and tiggers and bears

Great post, Miss Britty. Wow, I'm very impressed. There's no doubt you know about love. are you married?

Love means you are willing to share yourself fully, put thought into the way you treat them and make yourself the partner you'd like them to be; by your actions... if that made any sense. Sometimes doing things with them, just because it pleases them. Making sure the lines of communication are open, by never deceiving. Being a friend, lover and companion; as far as a romantic love.

I do overuse the word and your post made me think of that silly song.

Tommy, you need to peak at my profile again

Seriously, I was, my husband died several years ago, and
yes there is no doubt the love we feel for others, those
experiences, and what we know of God change us, and help
us to grow, both spiritually and in love, when we are willing
vessels.

Well, perhaps you will find your "lioness" one day.

A child came out with this to me many years ago. His answer was quite simple really. Since people love everything and no-one likes anything then like must be better than love since it's not used as much.

Hey Karma, I think I like you.

I Like you a lot!!!

How much???

Enough to move to the other side of the planet.

That much?????


You're a mad man....

(good thing, very few people see me)



Hey, would that then make me Mrs mad man?

It just might at that.

out of the mouths of babes ...

Shaden, your point drives home 'commitment'. And you're right, love does involve total committment. It just might be the fear that keeps us from it. Hope you get that silly song out of your head.