All You Need is Love Sweet Love

Love is something we all long for and can't do without. From a small child we need and seek out the love and security from our care takers. Science has demonstrated that children who receive lots of love learn better. Children feel confident, relaxed and happy when they receive love, which promotes intellectual development. Likewise us grown-ups, we thrive, feel more confident and happy when we know we are loved.

There are thousands of songs written in the name of love; "I Will Always Love You", "Can't Help Falling In Love With You", "When a Man Loves A Woman", "Because You Loved Me", "It's Only Love", "Endless Love" and the list goes on and on. Some of the best ballads are songs about love. Love is such an essential part of one's well being, just like a painter paints what's in their heart, music artists writes what's in their heart - whether it be about new love or a love gone bad.

Although there are some people who would prefer to be shown they are loved by gifts, I believe most people prefer to be loved by touching their heart and soul in ways that no amount of money can buy. To me there is no better feeling of love then to look across the room at your loved one, making eye contact and know just by the way they look at you that you are special in their eyes and you are loved. I think love includes listening to your partners wants and needs and really hearing them, communicating daily, spending time with them, cooking together, working out in the yard, washing the car and having a water fight, sharing your life and making lasting memories that you can reminisce about as you grow old together. Putting a little love note in their briefcase to make them smile; giving a back or foot massage when you know they are stressed out; meeting your loved one at the door with their special outfit on . . . there are so many ways to show you love someone instead of materialist things. I would prefer a handmade card as opposed to a bought card, regardless of how silly it may look - it is the thought that counts and knowing that they made this especially for me.

This is a difficult one to talk about and one that might sound selfish, but loving yourself is so important; for you cannot love another if you don't love yourself. Communicate your needs to your loved ones, because if you hide your feelings, you are alienating yourself from the people who love you. I never understood the line "Well if they loved me, they should know!" Life is too short to think people should know what you want or need without you telling them - I don't know anyone who is a mind reader and if one tries, they may come up with the wrong conclusion. You can't continue to give and give and give, sacrificing your own needs, and not get anything in return - you will become bitter, angry and the relationship is bound to suffer. You owe it to yourself to love yourself enough to make sure your needs are being met too.

Love is so much more than buying flowers, presents or giving candy. To me sharing these happy and special moments with them is what love is really about. Happy Valentine's Day! I hope all your wishes, hopes and dreams come true and that you discover what the real meaning of love is for you.

"A baby is born with a need to be loved - and never outgrows it." ~ Frank A. Clark