I AM QUEEN Issue 06 | Page 23

Do you remember having that conversation with God asking Him to send you that special someone that will love you for life? Do you remember daydreaming about the house, picket fence, dog and little family with the love of your life? Every day, couples break up, couples get divorced, and children are ignored or, worse, mistreated—because the responsibility inherent in marriage, parenthood has been ignored. The lack of knowing what exactly real love looks like is often the culprit. How can you know if what you’re feeling is real love or something far less (lust, infatuation, or are just a rebound)? What exactly identifies true love? Ponder over these talking points: Real love requires standing by someone through times good and bad. No relationship doesn't encounter problems. You must be willing to work through the problems to strengthen your love for one another. When you merge your life with someone, you can no longer work separately. You must come together as one. The age-old adage, teamwork makes the dream work, is a given when it comes to making a marriage or long-term relationship thrive. Your mate should become your best friend. You exchange your deepest secrets with one another, and you each hold those secrets in confidentiality. Your trust in each other is unwavering. When you can confidently experience this level of love, that’s when you’re able to be who God created you to be without wearing any masks. You see each other completely. From there your love for yourself and as a couple grows deeper and deeper and sets the foundation for a relationship that lasts a lifetime.