In its most simple form, authentic love is the ability to will the good of the other.  The basic truths about authentic or real love are;

• Love is primarily a choice, not just a feeling.
• Emotional response is a good part of love, but like all emotions it should be controlled and guided by reason, for example, you teach your children self-control.
• Learning to love means learning to become a total gift of yourself to others.
• Love is permanent – relationships of love are lasting and stable. You can model this in your marriage and in your constant love for your children.
• Love is generous toward life.  Thus, in all relationships love is to be nurturing and generous.  Within marriage this means that love is meant to be fruitful, generous and life-giving.
• The Greek language reflects the complex nature of love much better than does English.  The Greeks had multiple words for love.  Authentic human love includes all of these dimensions.