What is Love?

I think perhaps not all people understand what love is when they are considering a long term relationship, and although I am  an agnostic I find the the Bible gives some guide to its substance.

Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.

Bob Marley knew what love was about:
“Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.” 
I couldn't have put it better myself.

I could say so much more about what love is because I am fortunate to have received it from so many who are or were close to me. When I was young from my parents and family, through life from friends and family, and from my husband who shows me his love by caring and protecting me and having a concern for my welfare. We have never allowed a day to end with an argument standing between us. He has never threatened me with violence or selfishness, and has been a loyal, faithful companion for forty years.
Others are not quite as fortunate and some blame their partners, for their own faults but you cannot keep looking back and blaming your parents for your lack of understanding, or your ex wife for why things went wrong. You have to look into your own soul and be honest and see the neglect you showed your partner. Admit the anger and admit the blame because blaming another for making you angry is a cop-out. You cannot say 'Don't make me angry. You won't like me when I am angry' because your anger and the reason for it is yours alone, not someone else's. Not your wife's, your children's or your mother-in-law's! You must own up to your own anger and faults before you can really get on with life and love because before you know it it will be too late and you may find there is no way back.