True love is sincere. The way you communicate with your loved one is done with sincerity; it is a heartfelt conversation. You are committed to your partner. Even in times of challenges you still stand by each other. You give your support no matter what the situation. When you have a conflict you work together to sort out the issue so that unity can resume its place in your relationship.

You give of yourself selflessly. You serve your partner's needs without thinking of the costs. When you are in a relationship with true love both partners give of themselves so that it is not only from one side.

Agape love sums this up well: The kind of love that extends kindness and empathy. A love that desires the best for others. It is an unconditional that runs deep.

An unconditional love. What does this look like? You give love, give of yourself without ever expecting anything back in return. In a world where we are conditioned to be consumers, this can be a challenging concept to follow.

Agape love is the pinnacle of deep compassion. You show care for your partner and you feel their feelings. You can empathize with what they are going through. Not, that you are necessarily going through the feelings yourself, but because of your compassion you sit with them and feel what they feel.

The decisions you make are focused on the needs of your partner. You don’t do this because you want anything back. To serve their needs is what fills your tank. I think of Mother Theresa, and how she spent her life giving of herself. She was the embodiment of selfless love.

Our own needs don’t seem as important. This is where your ego is left at the door. I know this is easier said than done as it is hard-wired in us to be self-preserving.

In addition, you have acceptance of others. You might see the flaws of others, but you do not try and change them. You love them for who they are even if you do not agree with their actions.

A healthy marriage is made up of a combination of skills that are implemented. You are not born fit, with a well-built body. You have to train to get in shape. And you have to eat healthy food to maintain this as well. The same is true with maintaining a healthy marriage.

You have to trust your partner. Without trust, a true bond can never really be built. You will always have suspicions or not open yourself up completely to your partner.

The way you speak to your spouse is a reflection of what is going on inside of you. If you do not respect yourself you most probably won’t respect your partner. Speak words of love and appreciation. Name-calling and embarrassing them shows no respect and breaks the trust that you had.

No relationship can exist without communication, like everything else it takes practice to have good communication in your marriage. Communication is the backbone of any relationship and you should strive to continually make improvements.

Marriage is not meant to be done alone. You are in a partnership and you need to work together. Supporting each other emotionally, physically, and mentally will increase the bond that you share.

True love, as discussed is enduring in nature. It can withstand many things thrown at it. Challenges and adversities are a part of life. If you do not build strong foundations in your marriage the storms of life can wash it away. But with the proper foundations, a marriage can stand strong through what is dealt to them.

Other love is fleeting. Infatuation last but a few months, 6-18 to be exact. Yes, this feeling is wonderful while it lasts. That is why many people after a year or two in a relationship will say that they are no longer in love. What really happened is the infatuation stage of the relationship is over. This is the time that true love should take its place.

Many people mistake lust for love. Lust is having a strong sexual desire for someone. This attraction is also short-lived. When you have gotten what you want the lustful feeling die down and you think that the love is gone when in fact love was never a part of the picture.

Superficial affection, puppy love, the same as lust and infatuation is also temporary. Without the depth of true love, a relationship will not last. The good news is that true love can be fostered.

Practical tips to foster true love.

Show empathy towards your partner. Empathy is not sympathy, you are not feeling sorry for them. It is putting yourself in their shoes and feeling what they feel without judgment or defending yourself.

Forgive quickly. Do not let grievances linger and turn into bitterness. You cannot expect your partner to forgive you of your wrongdoings if you are not willing to forgive them. Unforgiveness breaks trust.

Be grateful for your partner, for who they are and what they do for you and your household. Thank them for the sacrifices that they make and try not to remind them of where they fall short. Gratitude builds the desire to want to do and give more.

Respecting each other's thoughts, feelings, emotions, time and space is important. Just because you are married does not give you the right to take your partner for granted. On the contrary, you should be treating them with more respect for they are your live partner and you should want the best for them.

Have open conversations about how you feel. It is not healthy to bottle up your feelings and issues that bother you. Be honest yet speak with honor. The ability to have a conversation with your partner is the first step to resolving conflicts.