Actions Speak Louder Than Words

They sure do! I had a pretty serious conversation with someone earlier who was seeking my advice on her current love relationship. My expert opinion on love nowadays is that one's actions speak volumes louder than one's words. I've always believed that, and with each passing day (and man), that belief only gets stronger.
It's easy to say "I love you," "I care about you," and/or "I want to be with you." Go ahead, say any or all of those phrases out loud right now. It didn't take much energy, did it?! Nope. It's easy. However, saying and doing are two different things. The doing may start with saying the words, but if one truly means them, the actions are soon to follow. 
Since I was sixteen, I have had five different men (besides my dad and brother, of course) tell me that they "love me." I believe that one of them truly did at one point (well, for a while actually), but even that one failed to be my one true, undying, forever love. Although he continued to say the words up until the end, his actions (or lack thereof) said otherwise...and a lot louder. What was once a relationship full of respect, laughter, and honesty quickly changed to one of silence, disrespect, and lies... none of which fall under my definition of "love."
Thanks to my parents, I have always had and continue to have such a strong definition and example of love in my life. I have been taught that love means respect, loyalty, honesty, support, laughter, and knows no conditions and/or limits. Love is amazing: amazing to give and amazing to receive. I know that I am deserving of that love from everyone I encounter, and I will not stop searching until I find it in a life partner.
If you are struggling with love, dissect the situation. What are the actions attached to that so-called love? Are you being respected as you deserve to be? Is the love unconditional and loyal? Do you feel the love or only hear the words? Furthermore, who are you teaching about love? Are children watching you and your love relationship? If so, is the example that you are setting what you want for them in their future relationships? "Listen" to the actions just as much as you listen to the words. Give your love freely and demand the same in return. Know your worth and don't settle for anything less. <3