Love is friendship that has caught fire. It takes root and grows,
one day at a time.
Infatuation is marked by a feeling of insecurity. You are excited
and eager but not genuinely happy. There are nagging doubts, unanswered
questions, little bits and pieces about your beloved that you would
just as soon not examine too closely. It might spoil the dream.
Love is the quiet understanding and mature acceptance of imperfection.
It is real. It gives you strength and grows beyond you - to bolster
your beloved. You are warmed by his presence, even when he is away.
Miles do not separate you. You have so many wonderful little films
in your head that you keep replaying. But near or far, you know
he is yours and you can wait.
Infatuation says, "We must get married right away. I can't risk
losing him." Love says, "Be patient. Don't panic. Plan your future
with confidence."
Infatuation has an element of sexual excitement. Whenever you
are together you hope it will end in intimacy. Love is not based
on sex. It is the maturation of friendship which makes sex so much
sweeter. You must be friends before you can be lovers.
Infatuation lacks confidence. When he's away, you wonder if he's
cheating. Sometimes you check.
Love means trust. You are calm, secure and unthreatened. He feels
your trust, and it makes him even more trustworthy.
Infatuation might lead you to do things you will regret, but love
never steers you in the wrong direction.
Love is elevating. It lifts you up. It makes you look up. It makes
you think up. It makes you a better person than you were before.
- Ann Landers