February 14 is St. Valentine's Day, a day to celebrate love but one Spanish proverb accurately encapsulates what many find true about love: where there is love, there is pain.
 
Many couples go through countless struggles and challenges just to be together. Different expectations, family backgrounds, parental approval and multi-racial relationships can make the path to love a long and tumultuous one.
 
Into its fifth year, citizen journalism site STOMP's Love Stories series is an opportunity for lovebirds to pen down their journeys with their partners. A record-breaking 200-odd love stories were received this year.
 
We bring you the love stories of three couples who sent in their entries in a 5-parter that captures the tears, fears and true testaments of love.