Pattie Boyd was Clapton's Layla.
Pattie Boyd was the first wife of George Harrison and Eric Clapton..They both wrote songs for her...I need you, and Something, by Harrison and Layla including Wonderful Tonight, by Clapton... this was the first time 2 people had written 2 songs for the same person.
I wonder if either of them really loved her. George Harrison was somewhat negligent, leaving her alone and lonely for long periods while he chased other women. Clapton couldn't stand being without her and did everything he could to convince her to be 'his'...then eventually cheated on her.
Love is a selfless thing. When you love someone, you want what is best or them. It is about honoring and cherishing them, not necessarily 'having' them. You can never claim someone as yours. They have to give themselves to you. You have to treat them well and hope they stick around. Calling your love "my/mine" speaks to your responsibility toward them, not ownership. Honor is when you think so highly of them you feel 'honored' that they chose you as their object of affection. It isn't just words for a ceremony.
My philosophy is that you should never have to say the words "I love you" to someone because they should already know for the way you treat them. ...like the song.
I suppose they loved her in some way, but I also think things would have been different.