Ok, this is a definition of love from about 30 years ago,
by Nathaniel Branden, from "The Psychology of Romantic
Love"

Love is, in the most general sense, our emotional response
to that which we value highly. As such, it is the experience
of joy in the existence of the loved object, joy in proximity
and joy in interaction or involvement. To love is to delight
in the being whom one loves, to experience pleasure in that
being's presence, to find fulfillment in contact with that
being. We experience the loved being as a source of fulfillment
for profoundly important needs.

It goes on from there.

I came across something I'd written
quite some time ago. Reading it -
brought back quite a few memories -
and I'm glad that I didn't throw it out
as I've done with quite a few of my
"thoughts on paper," in the past.

Anyway, I'll share it with you as it's
sort of appropriate - so here goes:

"I hold the pen firmly, then pause briefly,
Words don't come easily in the afternoon solitude.
There's a tree outside my window,
The wind is playing with its leaves,
Nature fills my soul with peace, and I continue.

Thoughts are very mixed,
Yet I know, somewhere between the morning's wash,
The planning of the evening meal,
Lies a yearning, a dream as yet unreachable.
One can only try taking one day at a time.

The private moments, the few hours alone, are so precious.
Husband, children, all have their needs, I have mine.
To write, to unconfuse my thoughts.
To live at least on paper, in the fantasy of words.
I reach for the pen again, and as I do, I look up.

Two big brown eyes are staring at me,
A small blonde head hides behind the chair,
A crooked smile appears around the corner, and then,
Another voice calls out from the bedroom,
'Mamma!'

I hear the words echoing in my ears, 'Mamma, Mamma, Mamma!'
And I know my time is up.
There is a greater need
then mine,
For now."

I'll be leaving for Sydney tomorrow for about a week.
It's a mini-holiday - so take care - and Thanks to
you all for this interesting thread.

All The Best.