All you need is love do-do-do-do-do, all you need is lo-ove, love is all you need…
Well hell. Love, nope, don’t think I’ve found it yet. At least not in the mature sense. Sad, seeing as how I’ve been married twice. But, I’ve sure loved a lot and I’m still looking. I don’t feel jaded or afraid either. So Love, if you are out there, here I am, ready and waiting! 
“It is now proved beyond doubt that smoking is one of the leading causes of statistics.”
Been in love only once with the only girlfriend I’ve ever had. We grew apart, and mutually decided that we didn’t want to continue as a long distance relationship again when she moved back to Albany. I didn’t think that it would hurt me so much, but took me about 6 months to get over the depression when it really sank in that it was over. Have been gun shy since.
>>Being Chaotic Evil means never having to say your sorry…unless the other guy is bigger than you.<<
—The dragon observes
Anyone I was in love with Im still in love with but its a bitch to put up with them.
Three times. And I hope there isn’t a fourth.
The Coyote gnaws …
but he does not swallow.
Chief Scott, Canadian Sue and Jodih put the aspects well.
I loved a lot of people (notably my friends) but have had only 2 where “love/in love” combined. Neither worked out well–for me.
Neither can be disowned as “not real love”. I did, wholeheartedly. The fact that I didn’t pick well, and that the object of my affections didn’t approach the whole love thing the same way doesn’t negate the choice I made.
It was my choice, the full way along. No fault, no favor. I picked wrong, no doubt about that, but the extent of my involvement was mine. So whether that was terminal stupidity on my part or a lack on their part is pointless. It was what it was, and I gave what I chose.
Would I do it again? Dunno. Cynics are losers, but it sure does take a bit for the head to stop spinning. I don’t expect it, because love to seems to something great that most aspire to but many have to do without.
Splitting decisions (as usual),
Veb
I guess it’s true about being so many different kinds of love. I’m sure maybe some that I have never even experienced. The love I feel now for this special someone, is the love that makes your heart stop… when he’s gone. Soon, we will be worlds apart, and the love I have for this man will cross every wave with him. Love… I don’t know what kind you would call this, but I do know that I’m glad I found it. Glad I found him, and glad that he introduced me to you all. Thanks for the smiles, laughs and tears. I will need them these next few months…
Girlbysea (AKA: ChiefScott’s GBS)
Once.
My first and only relationship. I met him almost seven years ago. It wasn’t love at first sight, but close. It was great in so many ways.
But things change, and it’s coming to an end. We will be friends forever, but it’s over. 
I’m not going to look for #2-6. Once was enough.
“If we would have new knowledge,
we must get a world of new questions”
Two times for sure.
A couple more times I’m not so sure about.
I guess that makes my answer “three”.
You say “cheesy” like that’s a BAD thing.
I have to agree that there are several kinds of love. Including the love you feel for really close friends. But…I won’t count that here. And I’ve been “in love” more than I can count, but…looking back, I wasn’t in love. Just desperate.
Keeping all that in mind…I’d say I’ve been in love three times.
“You are sweet, kind, and considerate… Like a grown up boy scout with tits!” - Brian, aka SDMB’s one and only Satan.
Only once. We met just before my 20th birthday, split up just before my 23rd, and I was about 27 before I finally felt “over it.” (I’m 29 now) I don’t know if I’ll ever feel that strongly for someone again - don’t know if I want to either.
Oh, yeah, well there is Celtic too, but that doesn’t count 
Never. I thought I was once, and that was a huge mess. I think he really was in love with me (that’s what he kept telling me, anyway), so I sort of convinced myself that I was in love with him, because I really DID (and DO) love him. He’s a great person, a wonderful friend, and I didn’t want to hurt his feelings. Telling him that I wasn’t in love with him was one of the most painful things I’ve ever done. That was a couple years ago, and I still feel guilty sometimes.
~Kyla
“Anger is what makes America great.”
I have loved, and do currently love many people, but have never been “IN LOVE” with anyone.
“The universe doesn’t give first warnings or second chances”
I’ve never loved anyone!
Had a few mild crushes, but not since 1991.
I have really, really liked someone a whole lot and wanted to have sex with them and thought that I was in love AT LEAST (the requisite) six times in my life.
As far as true love goes, I found it, married it, weather my problems with it, and continue to love it in spite of our differences.
“…being normal is not necessarily a virtue. It rather denotes a lack of courage.”
Kyla, don’t feel guilty. You did what you had to do. What you knew was right. Believe me, he doesn’t want you to feel any guilt or pain.
As for me, last year, I thought I’d been in love three times. They were all puppy love. Then I really fell in love with Katharine. And now I’ve got to live without her, have to realise that she felt for me like Kyla felt for her guy, and no more.
So, the answer is once.
I’ve never loved anyone!
A few mild crushes, but none since 1991.
(I think there must be something wrong with me.)
If this shows up twice it’s because IE didn’t display my post when I submitted it the first time.
Love is that which we constantly grasp for longingly out the window into the their souls and they don’t even realize it sometimes.
It is the wanting of changing their lives, to make them better, to change their whole universe, in the way that they changed ours the second they walked into a room and said not a word.
It is staring into their eyes as they are saying hurtful things, and knowing that you can never hate them, no matter what the circumstance.
It is the understanding that they are human with faults and limitations and taking them instride because we are all humans with human fallability.
It is the way a simple touch sets the heart arace, and one phone call gets you excited.
Love is a risk, as is life, one big adventure. It is all things that are frightening and meaningful.
It is sensuous and can slice without warning.
But without it, where is the connection to the rest of the world? Love unites us as humans and bonds us as nothing else can, spiritual love, and love for one another, it is the glue of every society.
I have loved 5 people, and for each I have wished only the greatest of achievments, some have attained that, some have not. But to each I have not wished harm.
But the last time, it ripped me open so far, that I will take time to heal. Love hurts and it heals, I’m waiting for the one that heals.
ded. to Kilgore Trout, who wanted me to post.
I am a fire who licks and spits at the boundless sky forever desiring wonderous consummation
-me
That was beautiful, Prose. I hope you continue to post more pearls like this.
Prose…I stand in awe of your ability to put into words that which has only echoed in my heart. I hope you won’t mind if I keep your response with all the other inspiring thoughts I have with me at all times for it has touched me deeply.
I really try to be good but it just isn’t in my nature!