This list was compiled by me and represents my outlook on what is required in a truly caring, intimate relationship with someone else. I'm not saying that if your partner doesn't meet all of these criteria, kick him/her/it out, instead I just list what I feel is important in a relationship with "someone special." All of these have been drawn off of my life experiences, and have brought about love more often than not - if you are true to your partner and yourself.

A friend
One who needs a friend
A lover
One who needs a lover
A confidant
One who needs someone to confide in
Someone who occasionally reminds you uncannily of your parents at times although in different forms
A shoulder to cry on
Someone who needs a shoulder to cry on
Your image of heaven includes this person rather profusely
You can look back on the history that you created together and both cry and laugh, hopefully at different parts
You are not the same person, instead two seperate entities that can combine into a supreme being
You plan names for your kids
Someone with whom you can discuss anything from menstrual periods to bathroom talk to sexual preferences to life and death to philosophy to science and back
When this other person is asleep, you can't help it if you have a twenty page paper do the next morning, you just want to put the universe on hold and watch them.
They aren't a supermodel, yet they are the most beautiful creature that you have ever laid eyes upon, even after twenty years
You find yourself thanking God that S/He allowed you to stumble accross this other person
They can help you see things about yourself that you haven't seen before
You help them see things about themselves that they haven't seen before
You feel this uncanny sense of completeness whenever you are around this person
Each of your seperate concerns and victories become a shared concern and victory
You love them more than anything else in this entire world
When you look down at your hands intertwined, you get a rush
When you talk to this person, even on the phone, you feel butterflies. Especially after several years of knowing this person.
You are happy when your partner is happy.
When you hold your partner, it reminds you of something special you held as a child - ie a stuffed animal, a pillow
Your love for this person grows daily
You've seen your partner at their worst times and the best times
They've seen you at your worst times and best times
You ask yourself, "How did I survive without this person before now?"
You desire to be with this person the rest of your life (not necessarily marriage)
Your heart tells you it's right
True love is patient
True love is classified as delusional
True love is addictive
True love waits, (how long, I do NOT know!)
Your true love can define or destroy your world
Your true love will not change for you.
You will not have to change for your true love.
The eyes of the other is what make it worthwhile, for in them you can see the boundless love kept just under the surface.
The little voice in the back of your head will quiet its shouting and dire portents, for it will recognize that he/she is your true love.
Your true love knows what to say, how to say it, when to say it, and when not to, to help you along
Your true love won't leave you.
When you can hold hands and skip together in public and not give a damn about who sees you and what they say
You smile when you look at their picture
It feels natural to both of you
You get used to having this other person around very quickly
You miss this person constantly
Your true love will buy you a cat just because you said they were cute.

Well, that's my list. The most important thing is that these feelings must be mutual, not pressured from one another or out of guilt. Also remember, what is meant to be, will be. That is the true meaning of life:

Life is a journey from one point to another. You know where you will end up, but you don't know what route will get you there. - Andrew Shroads

The journey itself is what makes life and love worthwhile, not the outcome.