In Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, Lystander says,

"The course of true love never did run smooth".

I like the way a poem someone once gave me explains it.

Real love is more

than beautiful flowers

and sweet words,

more than candlelight dinners

or romantic walks in the park.

Real love is understanding

through the difficult times,

caring past the disagreements

it's laughing together

to keep from crying

when things couldn't seem

to go more wrong.

Real love shows compassion

and compromise...

and forgives and forgives

and forgives.

Real love is everything

we share together.

Because to me, real love is,

and always will be, you.

Gary Chapman tells us there are five languages of love.

1. Words

Mark Twain once said, "I can live two months on a good compliment."

Verbal appreciation speaks powerfully. Simple statements, such as, “You look great in that suit,” or “You must be the best baker in the world! I love your oatmeal cookies,” are sometimes all a person needs to hear to feel loved.

2. Quality Time

Quality time is more than mere proximity. It involves sharing experiences, thoughts, feelings and desires in a friendly, uninterrupted context.

3. Gifts

Visual symbols of love. Physical objects, handmade or store bought.

The gift of self is an important symbol of love.

Sometimes all one desires is for someone to be there for them.

4. Acts of Service

Sometimes simple chores around the house can be an undeniable expression of love.

Dishes! Opening the door. Washing the car. Simple things.

5. Physical Touch

Holding hands, a hug, a soft kiss, ect.