Lately, I've been having problems at the mention of "Love", the assumed as well as the true meanings of it, the lack thereof not only from my husband towards me (or what I assume is a lack) and what my kids feel or don't feel, act or don't act in displaying love, affection and family loyalty.

The reason I've decided to post about it is because it's really causing me a problem. There are so many meanings to love and probably more wrong ideas of what love is.

Below, is what the Bible says love is. That's the only reference I have to what healthy love really is. However, I find some discrepancies in it. (Woe unto me! )

My heart has been broken for some time over my family situation. We're all very distant from each other. My husband came home from a trip to Canada on Saturday and brought some pictures home; one of them is of a son from a former marriage, but I raised the boy from age 3 to 18, when he graduated from high school. At that time, he moved from CA to OR and seldom remembers the family he grew up with, one of them being my youngest son. My youngest is 25 with a wife and a family. He's gone through a lot of rough times in his young life and has matured beyond his years, but... yesterday, when he saw a pic of his big brother with his family, he broke down and cried like a baby. A couple of things I'm sure of as far as his feelings go toward his brother. He feels abandoned and he's disappointed in the man his brother didn't grow up to be.

My oldest son also disappoints terribly in the "family" department. Seems the only "family" he has any consideration for is his wife and kids. He has failed to show to my youngest son's kids birthday parties, but look out if you don't go to one if HIS kid's parties!

I grew up in a matriarcal family. It was the women that kept the family together, including my grandmother, such as she was. I don't know if this dynamic is what's causing me problems because I don't act like the past generation, or if truly, the responsibility falls on me.

Anyway! This is getting long but I wanted to give some reference points. What my question of the moment is "What do YOU think love is? Do you agree with the interpretion found in the Bible (regardless of religious affiliation or faith.)" Any and all input will be appreciated.

Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious,(Webster: 1-the act or an instance of boasting:- BRAG. 2-a cause for pride) does not display itself haughtily.

It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude and does not act unbecomingly. Love does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].

It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.

Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].

Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end].