It starts out as a friendship, one of trust and companionship. Mutual likes, dislikes, wants and needs. A shared sense of: humour, the ridiculous, anger. A mutual love of animals, or dislike of certain traits. A common need, phrase or passion.

Count the ways?

The ways are endless.

The relationship develops, a stronger - more intense feeling. A happiness that suffuses your entire being whenever that special someone is around. A deadly ache when they aren't. An excitement whenever you are close to them, an anticipation of enjoyment when in their company.

Count the ways?

The ways are endless.

The need to be touched or touching them in some way. The brush of your hand against theirs when walking. Eye contact across a crowded room, when only the two of you know what the other is thinking, a sense that in a crowded room there are two hearts beating to the same rhythm.

Count the ways?

The ways are endless.

A comfortable silence when you are alone together - no words needed to tell you what the other is thinking, how they are feeling. You just know - deep inside - that you feel the same.

Count the ways?

The ways are endless.

Just to hear their voice, sends waves of heat cascading through your body. You feel yourself melting, and a secret smile touches your lips. No one else has ever felt this way before - no one ever will. Just to have that brief contact reassures you that you are not alone, that your are loved, wanted, desired.

Count the ways?

The ways are endless.

Knowing you can be yourself, show your happiness, silliness, anger, hurt, confusion. Share your worries, and your wildest ambitions or desires, and know that you will have their support no matter what. They accept you - as you are.

Count the ways?

The ways are endless.

A small argument, that blows up, no communication - but the ache is there, deep down inside. Regret for harsh words spoken, snide remarks flung out, like arrows, to wound. Then - the need to reach out and touch, to talk, to gaze upon the one person that matters most to you. To be held in their arms, to comfort and be comforted. To feel their heart beat close to yours once more.

Count the ways?

The ways are endless.

This is love - true, deep and abiding love. One continuous circle that wraps itself around you, enfolding you in its warm embrace. The ways are endless, just like the circle - love has no end.

Count the ways?

The ways are endless.