It may sound like a strange or silly question, but honestly the older I get the more I wonder exactly what love is within the context of romantic relationships.

Sometimes in most of our lives we feel the need to be in love, and once that feeling hits us we can be both silly and vulnerable - perhaps watch a romantic film and seemingly fall in love with the leading actress or actor (often long since died); fall in love with a dating site correspondent whom we've also never met; or meet someone in the flesh and 'fall in love'long before we have really got to know them.

Conversely for other folk 'falling in love' appears to be a slow healthy process developed over time with trust and friendship and a great track history to the fore.

Either scenario is arguably 'genuine love,' yet both are so very different.

I love my children and could hopefully forgive anything they did which wronged me. That kind of love, for me at least, has an element of permanancy. Alas I have no such track record in the romance department, no such permanancy. So is romantic love by its very nature hollow?

We all need various things from a relationship. Some people settle for a partner whom they have developed love and respect for over a period of time, and perhaps say make love once or twice a week.

Other people possibly rip their partner's clothes off each night and have an amazing time doing so, but then spend the rest of their time fighting and disliking each other.

Ideally love would be a blend of both scenarios but how often is it?

What does 'love' mean for you?

The only love I have and desire is from my family and friends. I found romantic love to be very hollow; much like an illusion. I guess we all will look at love differently and of course I am only speaking for myself. I just know experience has taught me that nothing is guaranteed; especially not romantic love.

Temporary insanity...