It was totally instinctual and before any sex occurred between us. In fact, I had loved this person for 17 years. We had broken up ten years ago. He got married; I dated others and then became celibate. Eight years later, he is divorcing and I am still single and celibate. We start dating again and immediately pick up where we left off. We realize we have always loved each other and want to spend the rest of our lives together.

Instinctual, for the honest truth. That is how it happened the four times I knew I was truly in LOVE. Now, the first three eventually did not work out. Most of you have been there. i have a friend who met his wife in the second grade. They are still together and they are in their mid-thirties. The fourth time the love stuck and we are still togerther after 34 years. That's saying something for the hippie generation.

In my last couple of relationships I've said it way too early because I think I confused love with passion. The next time around I'm going to give it some more time and thought.