I would say that "possessive" has overtones of control issues. Expecting a commitment is one thing; interfering with social interactions and networks of family and friends is another. "Possessive" also infers (in my mind anyway) something unbalanced, more demanding from one partner to the other, rather than a consensual bonding.

Then I guess both parties have to agree about how much time they'd like to spend together-?

Yes-Koolman-agreeing to how much time you are going to spend together is important. I love Fiddler's answer!

Personally, I don't like possessive.

Possessive is not that far from jealous. And I know a lot of people see some signs of jealousy as a sign of love, I don't.

Like Fiddler indicated, I see that as controlling. For me, there is a big difference between telling me your needs and telling me what to do, even if the end result is the same.

I think that there is a reason that love is the opposite of hate.

Hate and anger can be very powerful emotions- when channeled and controlled they can be very productive and motivating. However, often people let them take over who they are and their hate becomes obsession and something they can't let go of.

Love and passion are also powerful emotions. When controlled and kept within reason, it can be wonderful and a great feeling. However, lovers often get too wrapped up in each other and become jealous, controlling, and loose not only other friends, but their sense of self. I think one should always be a whole person regardless of their lover.

It is a fine line. At what point does it become inappropriate for me to be in a committed relationship and hang out alone with ex's, and a bunch of guy friends- and at what point does he need to drop it and relaize that I have friends both male and female outside of him. At what point is that for him? I'm not sure- I think that's for every relationship to decide and set it's own ground rules. For my boyfriend and I, we don't hang out with members of the opposite sex who are single (or not in a committed relationship) alone. We also don't hang out with former partners unless it is a business arrangement (he gets money monthly from his ex for a car- that's fine because they see each other, she gives him a check, and that's the end of it). And we are honest and upfront about who we are hanging out with and when.

Guess this is all part of the feeling-out process, the "trial-and-erros", the guessing game, of embarking on a relationship, eh?

Have to just do what you want and let them do what they want and, as feelings arise, talk about them-!

3 days on, 3 days off is good, for me, by the way, as far as spending entire days with someone. The rest of thw eeek I like to be alone. Doesn't mean I don't love her, just need time and space to recharge and reload my love.