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What Does Real Love Look Like?

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What does love really look like?

I find myself asking this question -- internally of course, because who in their right mind would be brave enough to ask that question out loud to anyone else?

I mean what does that say about me and my relationships with my children and my family if I am pondering what love looks like and questioning whether I have it.

The truth is that I most definitely know what love looks like, but I also know love can and absolutely does look different for everyone. Your love is not better than mine, and my love, I don't for a millisecond think is any better than yours.

So, what does love really look like? It looks like this:

Real love is letting your child have dinosaur nuggets and a cake pop for breakfast.

But, real love is also cooking a hearty & healthy meal to promote your child's growth and foster positive eating habits.

Real love is kissing your spouse when they wake up in the morning.

But, real love is also giving your spouse space before 9am because you understand their need for coffee intake and silence.

Real love is over packing your child's lunchbox with their favorite foods and a mommy love note.

But, real love is also sending them to school with a donut and hash browns for lunch because you were so busy hosting a 6am dance party that you forgot to pack their lunch and Dunkin' Donuts was all that was open at 7:30am.

Real love is texting your spouse sweet nothings while they are at work.

But, real love is also not bombarding your significant other with communication while they are busy trying to monetarily support the family.

Real love is telling your child(ren) that it is okay to cry.

But, real love is also telling your child(ren) to stop crying and to "be tough".

Real love is telling your spouse that you love them, each and every night before bed.

But, real love is also about showing your spouse that you love them, rather than simply telling them.

Real love is truly being present for your child.

But, real love is also being distracted because you are working hard to create the life and future you want for them.

Real love takes effort and communication.

But, real love also requires acceptance, compromise, and sometimes, even silence.

You see, real love is simply me, as mother and wife, doing what I know and believe to be for my children and my marriage each and every day.

But, real love is also you doing what you know and believe to be best for your children and your marriage each and every day.

I am getting it right AND you are getting right.

Anyone that gives even the tiniest piece of their heart and thoughts to the others that they care about, in any way, shape, or form that works for them -- it is all real love.<>

It is all something we are capable of and it is all something that is truly special.

This article originally appeared on EverydayFamily, Inc.

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