A friend asked me how I knew love was real—because for a long time I felt the opposite. She saw me change and become a believer in love. She asked me to make her a list of things that I’d realize on my journey, because she’s at a point when love feels out of reach and unreal. I remember that feeling so well. I made a list of about 20 things that came up for me when I reflected on my marriage and some of my closest friendships. I’m sharing a few of them here with y’all. Of course this isn’t one size fits all—but this is how I knew love was real in my life and relationships. Community: How did y’all know it was real? What would you add to this list?