There is reason behind dicho word. Various forms along with interpretations of it exist. Nonetheless, if tu have felt affection towards anyone / anything then tu have also felt amor at the end of the day. Family, Friends, Lovers, Pets, Personal Belongings, etc. Even favorito! Subjects o certain Concepts qualify as I see it. Hence my clear belief !!!!
I asked myself this pregunta once. Yes, amor is very real. Where tu encounter it may be different than where I do, but it is always the same. amor comes from family and the friends tu make. And that amor is más powerful than with a significant other