Falling in love is easy. And the beautiful flowers, gifts of love and a warm body to snuggle up and make passionate love to just sweeten the deal. Yes, it is great to be in love. But beyond the bouquets, expensive chocolates and romantic dinners, staying in love is no walk in the park.

If you had your heart broken, you'd know it takes determination and a lot of hard work for two people to stay together. So bollocks to the notion of romantic love 'cos reality bites. Hard.

Love may be many a splendour thing but to really know what love is, maybe we need to find out what its not. That way, we manage each other's expectations with less disappointment.

Here's what I've learnt from my own experiences as well as painful ones from the people around me.

Love is not...

• Just wanting the same thing. Taking the same route there is equally important, if not more.
• Giving in blindly. Losing yourself will definately take toll on your relationship.
• Holding on to what's not yours.
• Forever. Accept that.
• Making empty promises to pacify your loved ones. Taking small conscientious steps to improve is more admirable.
• Divisible. You have to multiply it.
• Me! Me! Me! It's us.
• Assuming you know everything. It's about learning.
• Turning a deaf ear. You have to listen. Hard.
• Keeping quiet either. Communication is key.

I'm no expert in love. This is an article that I picked up from a magazine. I think its nicely written considering it was an editor who wrote it. Today is the 1st of February. My all time favourite month, supposingly the month of love. Good Luck to my dear friends on their love lives ^^

<3 zin