Understanding that these are two different types of love— versus partnership —is key to maintaining a healthy family balance [2, 6].
I tried, of course, to translate what I learned from Arthur into my marriage. I practiced listening without rushing to solutions. I left little notes for David, hidden beneath his mug, that said: “I love your laugh” or “You did the right thing today.” He noticed. Sometimes he returned the gestures; sometimes he didn’t. Love is not a formula, and people do not always respond like well-oiled machines. But Arthur’s example taught me that patience and presence are gifts you can give anyone. I love my father-in-law more than my husband......
It is vital to distinguish between and romantic displacement. Understanding that these are two different types of