In the novel and film Love Story , the characters claimed, "Love means never having to say you're sorry." Yeah, right!

Do you want the real meaning of love? In time for Valentine's Day on Thursday, we offer perspectives on love and romance from three area couples.

Lenny and Angela Sorapuru, of Grovetown

married: Newlyweds

THEIR STORY:Less than 10 miles from where the Sorapurus live is the Applebee's in Evans, where they had their first date. They were set up on a blind date by a co-worker of Lenny's, who was friends with Angela, and after staying friends for a while, they got together.

Besides her beauty, Lenny said, there was something genuine about Angela. She says his intelligence and "his love for his family," especially his mother, are the qualities that cemented her affection. They were married Dec. 22.

Lenny, a Louisiana native, had a large number of relatives attending from south Louisiana, adding to the festivities. The couple "jumped the broom" during the reception, and a band played.

"It was like a party," Angela said.

IDEAL VALENTINE'S DAY: It's hard for Angela to think about the ideal Valentine's Day, because it can't top last year -- when Lenny proposed.

"I told my parents I was going to propose, but I didn't tell them when," he said.

With both sets of parents together cooking gumbo, he popped the question.

Their ideal Valentine's these days is just relaxing.

LOVE AND MARRIAGE: Faith and family are integral to their marriage.

"We love each other's family, and that's important," Lenny said.

Angela advises that your spouse should also be your best friend.

They received premarital counseling, which they credit in their ability to talk about issues.

"Just doing that while we're dating, that was helpful," he said.

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Tommy and Robin Browning, of Augusta

married: 31 years

THEIR STORY: Robin was attending Hephzibah High School, and Tommy was at the Academy of Richmond County when they met at Shoney's.

"That's where everybody used to hang out," Robin said.

Tommy said he knew right away that Robin was for him.

"I seen this one, and I said, 'That's the one,' " Tommy said.

He was 19 and she was 17 when they wed. They reared two children, a daughter, now 27, and a son, 19, and have the place to themselves since their son left for Valdosta State University.

After 31 years, they still have date night every Friday and usually see a movie on Sunday.

"We always have fun together," Tommy said.

IDEAL VALENTINE'S DAY: Robin remembers their first Valentine's Day, when she got an enormous box of candy.

They usually have a nice dinner together instead, without flowers and candy.

"It's a lot easier now," Tommy said.

LOVE AND MARRIAGE: Laughter and not taking things too seriously are keys to their relationship.

"You don't always get along," Tommy said, but holding grudges and being vindictive will only hurt.

"I've learned in my older age not to waste time being angry and mad," Robin said.

She advises other couples, such as her daughter and son-in-law, simply to be happy and enjoy each other, as she and Tommy do:

"I think we love each other completely."[CAPTION]

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Charles and Sue Stewart, of Evans

married: 66 years

THEIR STORY: Sue and Charles were introduced to each other at a social event in their hometown of Macon, Ga., but their story really began later with a chance encounter in a Miami hotel lobby.

"And I just flirted with him," Sue said.

When they returned to Macon, they renewed their friendship. Sue planned visits to the movie theater where Charles worked so she could run into him.

They described their relationship as something they gradually eased into naturally, which ultimately resulted in their marriage in 1941. They reared a son and a daughter, and have four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

IDEAL VALENTINE'S DAY: They might go out to dinner or have a special date on Valentine's, but the Stewarts don't really celebrate Valentine's Day.

"We try to enjoy each day that comes along," Charles said.

LOVE AND MARRIAGE: The Stewarts have always cherished family life and never had a fight they couldn't resolve before bedtime.

"We have been very devoted to each other for 66 years," Charles said.