I would define love very simply: as a potent blend of openness and warmth, which allows us to make real contact, to take delight in and appreciate, and to be at one with — ourselves, others and life itself. Openness — the heart's pure, unconditional yes — is love's essence. And warmth is love's basic expression, arising as a natural expression of this yes — the desire to reach out and touch, connect with, and nourish what we love.

— John Welwood, Perfect Love, Imperfect Relationships