These 7 characteristics of true love are characteristics that can reveal if your love is "real" or not. Go over the list and try to determine if your relationship has these qualities.

Thoughtfulness: Do you do special things for each other that show you know and appreciate your partners interests and characteristics? If she collects stuffed elephants, do you ever bring one home for her? If he is a Chicago Bears fans, do you ever bring a special piece of memorabilia home for him?

Unconditional Love: Unconditional loves means that you care for each other no matter what the conditions; financial, physical health. Ask yourself will you still love him if he loses his high-paying job? Will you still love her if she gains 20 pounds?

Security: Basically trust. Do you trust her when your partner is away on a business trip? Do you trust him when he is on a "guys night out"?

Mood: Your mood when your WITH your partner and your mood when you're not. Do you feel peaceful, alive and content when you're with your partner? Or are you sometimes relieved when they are away for a few days? Is their tension of any kind when you've been together for several days straight? True love never feels threatening or depressing.

Honesty: Do you speak openly with each other? Can you tell your partner anything and not feel as though you're revealing too much? True love and telling the truth at all times is all about feeling good about yourself and your relationship – an open and trusting relationship.

Be Considerate: Sometimes it's necessary to do FOR YOUR PARTNER things that you feel are unreasonable, silly or even foolish. Being considerate of your partner and their needs and desires is extremely important in a relationship. In addition, sometimes a partner needs proof of their partners devotion in order to maintain trust and to feel they are loved.

Compatibility: Do you and your partner have similar values about life and attitudes about your lifestyle? When thinking about this be sure to consider the importance of family, friends, children, work and sex. You can have independent INTERESTS, but your values should be very closely aligned. As the relationship progresses, this attribute of true love will become more and more apparent and important.

Communication: Communication is perhaps the number one component of true love. Can you share your deepest fears and dreams, and feel heard, understood and appreciated by your partner?

Commitment: Do you both have a strong desire to make the relationship last a lifetime and work despite disagreements, stresses and the everyday strains of life? There will be times when it may seem so much easier to just break up, but if it's true love both you and your partner will want to work hard to make it work. You both realize that the relationship means so much more than dinner out or leftovers!

These are qualities that all long-lasting relationships have in common. Some come easier than others. Some need to be worked on daily – others when problems arise. No relationship will be perfect. But perhaps some of the joy come with the making up!