after a while...

After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning and company doesn't mean security,
And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts and presents aren't promises,
And you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes open, with the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child,
And you learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans.
After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much.
So plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure . . .that you really are strong, and you really do have worth.
And you learn and you learn . . . with every good-bye you learn. . . .
11 Rules to Always Follow in Love:
♣ Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
♣ When you say, "I love you," mean it.
♣ When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.
♣ Believe in love at first sight.
♣ Love deeply and passionately. You may get hurt, but it's the only way to live life completely.
♣ Don't judge people by their relatives, or by the life they were born into.
♣ Marry a person you love to talk to. As you get older, his/her conversational skills will be even more important.
♣ Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
♣ Don't just listen to what someone is saying. Listen to why they are saying it.
♣ Don't trust anyone who doesn't close his/her eyes when you kiss.
♣ Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.