Love has 3 parts to it: affection, trust, respect.

Respect is the foundation of love. One can respect someone and not love them. I differ from the philosophy of "you have to earn my respect". I respect everyone by default. People may take actions to lose respect, but it's always there. For instance, I respect the US justice system, regardless of whether I consider the laws just or not. I respect it because there are legitimate and very real consequences for not adhering to it. 

Trust is also default, but its more limited in scope, and it requires going through more doors to unpack. One can trust someone in the small capacity they share, such as in business, one can trust that a colleague will finish their work, but it may not extend past the business paradigm. 

Affection, however is the aspect most associated with our modern understanding of love. Affection comes in many forms, romantic affection, affection from a family member, affection from a friend, or just emotional affection overall. I carry emotional affection for everyone by default, that's the essence of empathy, but it's shown and used sparingly. For me to transcend default affection towards someone requires a strong showing and feeling of respect and trust that motivates me to move forward. 

Love isn't all hugs and kisses or hallmark cards, love is also the feeling of working together towards a common goal for the goodwill of the whole. 

Love

Beyond the shallow waves

Something happens when a Woman tells a Man the deep spiritual and emotional reasons why she likes him. Were expected as Men to be very surface level utilitarians, with no expectation for profound and intense connections, we're expected to take what we can get because it's "the thing to do". 

Most everyone loves the beach, but beaches are but a small portion of the total amount of coastline space to be found around the world.  My body of water is like a reef or a trench, a short, shallow stretch leading into a steep drop off. You can't just wade and or play in it, but once you explore it, you'll find treasure.