While I'm at it I'll just throw in there that I love The Notebook too, that's the only Nicholas Sparks film you'll ever hear me admitting to liking. Gush. Moving along...
What defines love? Or what gives you the right to use that word?
There are many kinds of love. That of a friend, a lover, a mother, a father, a son, a daughter, a family member, and lets not forget a beloved furry little animal ;-).
I think the simplest way I can describe that word is to have the utmost purest intentions towards someone. You care about their happiness, you try to think of little things that would please them or put a smile on their face. When they are happy, the world around you shines. The same goes for when they are hurt, your heart hurts for them and you wish for nothing more than to take away their pain. They are on your mind on a regular basis and you hurt the moment you are distant or apart from one another. You believe in their dreams as much as they do, and you want them to strive in everything that they do. You love them for doing the 'right' things and you still love them even when do the 'wrong' things, especially when those wrong things are incredibly annoying, you still wouldn't have it any other way. Their good qualities make up for all of the flaws because you realize no one is perfect but even their imperfections are in fact perfect. Relationships take time, effort, work, and a commitment to one another to last longevity. If you can accomplish those tasks then you're half way there.
Love is patient, love is pure, love is kind.
True love never ends.