A Tardy True Love Tuesday

First of all, I apologize for being late in posting this. I've been keeping busy with homework and such, so I didn't quite find time for it until now--and it's only 15 minutes until Wednesday! Talk about waiting until the last minute (or 15)!

I had been thinking about doing a post on North & South for today, but I think I might reserve that for another day. ;) I definitely need time to compose a well-thought out post for such a beautiful, grand movie as that!

So today (which will be Wednesday for most of you!) I thought we could talk about the examples of true love that we've seen in the books we've read recently or are in the process of reading right now.

*There might be spoilers in the next part of this post, so if you haven't read the books I discuss proceed with caution!*

I'll start with Love, Charleston. I finished this book last week, and as hard to read as it was, there was one especially memorable example of true love within those pages.

One of the main characters, Della, and her husband are going through a rough time. The country is in a recession, and both of them are "artists" (one's a writer and one makes sculptures) who don't make very much money. Della detests their home and the way they are forced to barely get by. She is especially concerned about the welfare of her daughter. And so, she finds herself giving attention to the man she had turned down years before--a man who can afford a comfortable, "normal" life.

The relationship between Della and her husband is put to the test. Will they remain faithful to each other? I think it's so important, especially for those of us who are still single, to consider the "happily ever after" part of the story--the part that comes after you say "I do." I haven't yet experienced marriage, but from what I can tell it can be both wonderful and at times very difficult. It is so important to have openness, honesty, and patience in any sort of relationship, especially in marriage.

For those of you who are already married, perhaps you can give some pre-marriage advice to those of us who have yet to experience it. ;)

One thing I really loved in Surrender the Heart was its reminder that true beauty lies in the spirit of a person, and true love will see beyond the outward appearance. What a valuable lesson for us to be reminded of in this day and age!

I also appreciated the reminder that true love doesn't judge. Perhaps true love will take time to fully grow to this point, but when it does it shows understanding and compassion, realizing that there is much that one doesn't know about the other. This can be applied to many different relationships, for sure, but it certainly is an important aspect of romantic relationships!

I think I'm a little over a third of the way through with Making Waves, and I've really been enjoying it so far! =)

The heroine and the hero are really fun, and some elements of true love that I've seen are the importance of caring for each other and the importance of recognizing each other's dreams and passions (and encouraging them!). This has mostly been on the side of Trip (the hero), as he has come to Marguerite's rescue, shown her that he is willing to stand up for her, and appreciated her apparent love for sailing.

As for Roger, the other potential love interest . . . let's just say that I've been reminded that true love isn't selfish and it respects the other person. (Take the hint, Roger!) ;)

So, what have you been reading lately? Have you learned or been reminded of anything about true love that you could share with us? I'd love to hear your thoughts!