The Things You'd Do for Love . . .

After soap boxing on the morality of infidelity (or lack thereof) I've been pondering (yes I pootle and I ponder) the more positive side of relationships and the 'what would you do for love' question.

I'm not talking about parental love, political love, love of your fellow man - although these are important and Ian, my new guru, postulated in a serious post about a Phillipino priest who made the ultimate sacrifice at the hands of rebels with his own life, and asked who would be prepared to join someone in that gesture. This is love of a different kind.

I mean romantic love. How far would you go to put things right, chase Mr or Mrs right or just 'see' if it's right. I know someone who recently took a trans atlantic trip in the hope of rekindling an old flame - The signs were all there that there was hope. It wasn't a silly whim but a well informed decision based on good information and promises. So, this person sold up, bought a ticket and chased their dream. It had to be done otherwise they would have spent their whole life wondering. OK drastic measure perhaps and it did go pear-shaped. Now they're rethinking the wisdom of the expensive sojourn but at least they know where they stand and the sole motivation - love.

I've known a man donate a kidney to someone he loved. Another give up his ambition for one he loved. I know women who have sacrificed careers for love or taken on known disability and hardship for love. What makes them do it?

I've never had to make a huge sacrifice for love. It's never required moving state or country . . .I've never had to do without or fall out with family for love. I've never had to put myself in danger but I wonder if the moment arrived, how far would I go. What would I be prepared to do to ensure that love survived. What sacrifice would I make for love if put in a position where it was required?

I've written Eulogies for the parents of friends - yes plural - three passings in fact have been marked by incredible stories of love. These parents have left occupied territories or oppressive regimes as young lovers, been split between refugee camps in disparate countries, placed in hostels and eventally reunited in Australia to marry and raise a family. Incredible journey's of love. I've known sweethearts at 17 who married and after 26 years still hold hands when they go bushwalking, testament to the endurance of love . . .I've heard of expensive and extravagant gestures to proclaim love from proposals in Helicopters to romantic escapes to designed to sweep their lover off their feet. I've watched the loss of love and its devastating effects. Then, I've heard of young lovers going their separate ways and at their end of days, rekindling the romance ... strange thing this 'love' business.

Me, I don't know. I've been in love, just twice. I am a firm believer in the unforgettable passion but misguided conceptions of my first love, the wonderful absorption and reality of my great love and if I'm lucky, I'll get to taste the security and serenity of my last love! *ever the optimist*.

Have you ever been in love? What would you be prepared to do for love? How did you propose or commit? What sacrifices do you make for love or have you made for love? What did you do to proclaim your love? C'mon, spill . . it's just between you and me!