I think there are different types of love.
1. I have endless love for my son, and certain friends and members of my family. It is sort of unconditional. I love them no matter what they do to me.
2. I have probably said 'i love you' to a few men. Looking back it was just lust, or a challenge, or maybe just a friendship that went too far. It is usually the result of much dirty thinking, and butterflies in my stomach before meeting them, or some horny sex, followed by moping around like an old sock when they don't call. The best of us have been mistaken in to believing this kind of nonsense is love. I don't think it is really. Even if it hurts like hell at the time!
3. Then there is the old test of time love. My Dad (RIP Dad) died nine days before their golden wedding anniversary! fifty years with someone is mind boggling. If i analyse it though, and even though i don't really want it to be true - they had just gotten so used to being together. living together i mean. My mom had her friends and socially really had very little to do with my dad for the last twenty years or so. Is this love?
4. I think the 'love' that people rave on about is more perfect, is the same for both parties - more like a soulmate kind of thing! Very special (am told) and will stand the test of time. It is all the goody things that you won't find in no.2. It is something both parties thrive in, and grow in, and if real will not reel you in and spit you out. Maybe i have put it on a pedestal too much and that is why it has remained untouchable (to me anyway)
I have days when i think it is all bullshit anyway. Days where i think only 1,2, and 3 exist and that people just kid themselves into believing they have found the real thing. Still have the dreamy days too, so not that bitter and twisted. Yet.
Important thing is this is just my own perception. Others think differently. If you are happy yourself that you have found love - then, cool, don't listen to me because i am cranky
and my rose tinted spectacles are covered in bird turd.