I know the love I have for my children is the most real, and true, love I've ever felt. As for romantic love, I have always believe it consists of four things; respect, acceptance, understanding and trust. Even in my marriage, I have yet to feel I have received all four of these things from another person, but know I have given it more than once.
Respect means valueing the other as an individual, respecting their needs and wants. Acceptance is knowing who they are, and loving them in spite of their faults. Understanding is looking at where they came from, who they are, and who they want to be - from their viewpoint. Trust is believing 100% that the other person will never hurt you, and will have your best interests at heart. Do I beleive this is mutually possible, that two people can give these things to each other completely? Yes, I do. But not without work FROM BOTH PEOPLE. True romantic love is the hardest thing two people can create and sustain. But I know there are couples out there who have done it. And it's what I want, and have always wanted. I just hope my husband can get to the same place before it's too late.