Secrets of True Love

The greatest gift we were given by God is love. People want to love. They want to feel it. They want to give it. They want to share it. We watch romantic movies and wish we could find a guy or girl like the main character. We read books and articles online on such things as, "What is the secret to true love?," "How can you tell if he or she likes you?," What does a guy (girl) want in a girlfriend (boyfriend)? (Click here for that article) We just want to know the secrets, the truths, the ways to find love and keep it strong.

If you're in love, here are some keys to maintaining a good relationship:

Communication must be open and positive, and there must be a lot of it. Be patient and understanding with your significant other. When you're upset, stay calm. Don't work yourself up or an argument may start. Pick your battles. Learn how to solve problems together, as a team. Don't think you are always right.

Another key to a great relationship - don't be selfish. Put the other before yourself. Put their dreams, hopes, ambitions, and feelings above your own, and they will do the same. The other should make you feel like you want "to be a better person."

Most of all, need to be a staple in each other's lives. You need to be there for each other, no matter what. Be supportive. Enjoy your spouse as both your friend and partner.

Affection - everyone needs some sort of affection to varied extents. Whether it's kissing, cuddling, or hugging, it's something that makes everyone feel good.

Romance - Keep it alive! Try different things once in a while. Go to a restaurant by the sea. Rent a cabin in the mountains. Go to a drive-in theater. Go out for icecream, then share a walk through the park. Surprise your loved one with concert tickets. What about a trip to Busch garden or Disney world? The options are endless. You two just need to get away once in a while, just the two of you, and have some fun. It will keep the romance strong.

Be accepting - don't be resistant to change. Everyone is different. When you're in a relationship you have to learn to accept things about the other person that you may not care for. Celebrate your differences. Just think about the reasons why you love them. Is that one little thing something that can ruin your relationship? On the other hand, if it is something you can't live with, then realize it, and move on.

How do you know if you're in love?

(For Girls) You'll know it's true when: he shares his secrets and dreams with you, he leaves "I love you" notes out of the blue, he worries about impressing your friends and family, and he puts you first.

(For Guys) You'll know it's true when: she shares her embarrassing moments and secrets with you, she does little things throughout the day to let you know she's thinking about you, and she wants to be around you all the time (but respects your space).

You'll feel butterflies when looking into their eyes or kissing them on their lips. You'll hold some funny conversations, and deep ones too. You'll smile and laugh a lot (you may seem to be smiling all the time, even when you're not with them, but definitely when you are). You'll remember little things about each other like favorite foods, colors, movies, places you'd like to go, and things you'd like to experience. You'll miss them when they're not around and be in heaven when they are. You'll begin to picture what your babies will look like and scribble your first name with his last. You will see him (her) in your future, and they will see you in theirs.

Just picture the two of you, 50-60 years down the road- you're sitting on your rocking chairs on the front porch, sipping your iced tea and looking out into the sunset. Can you see it?