[Buddha-l] Being in love

[Stefan Detrez]

Dear readers,

A friend of mine asked me what 'Buddhism' says about being in love. I'm
mostly familiar with the Pali-canon and as far as I know I have not
encountered any references to 'being in love'. My memory claims some nuns in
the Therigatha were disappointed by an unanswered love and therefore entered
the Sangha. Whether an actual word as or for 'being in love' was used to
describe their mental condition I can not remember. 

My assumption is that it is considered as a delusion. If so, does 'Buddhism'
seek to eliminate this particular delusion? What advice does the Buddha give
to lay folks on 'what to do when being in love' (in any tradition)? Does it
receive approval in a family-forming context? Could being in love as a
delusion produce happiness?

Any suggestions are welcome.

Stefan