I think Romantic love is really more like infatuation. Real love, I believe is unconditional. It can be felt in an instant as with a child or can be built over time. Most people are expecting tit for tat, you give here, I give there and and call it love. Real love would be not anticipating anything in return but giving your heart none the less. It would be wanting all the best things for the other person, even if, that meant they may not be with you. So by my last definition, I am not sure that I had "Real" love for my husband because I don't wish the best for him with someone else. lol

Just so you know I didn't get these definitions until after my divorce. I hope that helps. In a marriage, I do believe it can exist certainly but you have to get to the point where you can be unselfish. It comes with time and trust.

kat

Me-53(and learning!)
S24, S21, D18, D17
Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming. Dory