In her article, "Turning Sweet Nothings into Sweet Somethings," Marjorie Holmes points out some differences between romance and authentic love:

Romance is seeking perfection, love is forgiving faults.

Romance is flying, love is a safe landing.

Romance is the anguish of waiting for the phone to ring to bring you a voice that will utter endearments; love is the anguish of waiting for a call that will assure you someone else is happy and safe.

Romance is eager, striving always to appear attractive for each other, love is two people who find beauty in each other no matter how they look.

Authentic love will find many expressions -- the love of spouses; the love of friends; the love of families. And if your love is real, watch out -- once it starts growing, there's nothing that can stop it!