Is it the fear of loneliness that drives people together, followed by mutual dependence (companionship/money), mutual commitments (kids/family).

The above does not suggest the deep down people are unhappy but without being mutually dependent and or sharing mutual commitments, can their be such a thing as "love"?

For all you smarty-pants out there, I am talking about lasting "love" and not the four-month Hollywood matrimonial type!

Great topic!

I do not think that it is the fear of loneliness that drives all people together. Some find the one they marry when they are not even looking to be in a relationship. If fear of loneliness is what brings them together, it can also be the thing to tear them apart. I’m saying that because they can force themselves into an obviously no good relationship just for the sake of being with someone. That, in my opinion, does not qualify as love.

I wouldn’t say mutual dependance as much as I’d say complimenting one another. By saying this I mean that one may be lacking certain skills or personality traits that the other makes up for thereby making one complete unit. What do you think about that one?

Also, I feel that love can exist without mutual commitments. You are able to love someone and not share ideas as far as kids and family. It may bring your “relationship” to a screeching halt but it would not prevent you from loving that person.

Love in itself is a commitment. When u choose to love someone, u choose to be commited to a certain degree and it does not have to be convenient.

what is mutual dependence? It is a simbiotic kind of relationship which means both parties gain/lose. It is not parasitic whereby only one party gains/loses.

But then, the above only leaves me to wonder!!! For God so loved the world that He Gave... He wasnt actually expecting something back in return was HE? Nay nay nay...

To answer your Question: YES, love can exist without mutual dependence and commitments.

you call that an answer? explain yourself!
make a point, or keep quiet.

i didnt mean to be rude, i am now sobering uop.

Well i think love can exist without mutual dependence and commitment.

Coz once you love somebody, you are somehow commited to the person.

In a way it can but that depends on what those involved want in the relationship. I'll rather refer to the mutual dependence as complimenting each other. But for commitment, you have to be comited one way or the other.