I guess I'll have to sadly admit I don't think I've ever been in real love. Anytime it's been said to me in a romantic context it's been used as leverage later, which is dusgusting. I have an impossible time trusting people (usually for very good reason). It's easy for me to love my friends, want to share in their lives, have interest in the things they do, but to love someone in the context of societal definition- I just don't see it happening.
I find it most delightful that the younger generation is going about the business of defining their own parameters for love, and Julianna, I wish this most of all for you.
Be creative, be wise, and know for certain that things will blow up from time to time, but that doesn't mean that what you feel is not right. Love is an agreement between people to share time, everything else can be negotiated between the people involved any way they want. I know you'll find that place given time.