I don't typically use the word love and I find that everyone is trying to dissect the word, when in all actuality it's what you interpret it to mean to you.

I never used the word much, because most of my friends used the word too loosely and every man they met or were involved with they loved. I found that the word was tossed around too casually.

I've used the word with my family and a few friends. I can just as easily give them a hug and an action has now replaced the word alltogether.

My boyfriend and I do not use the word at all even though we have shared a life of over twenty years together.

I've said I love you to my Dominant. I didn't use the word because it was expected of me or that I should. I said it because I meant it, because I wanted to at least be able to say that I truly appreciated that he was a part of my life.

So to answer jeannes question, I'll say that there is no one thing that is more important than the other. It's a combination of things that make me "love" someone.

If we can get along, if we appreciate each other, if we enjoy each other's company, if we can weather the good times and the bad and still mangage to function as individuals.
That's what is most important to me.