If you’re able to make it through rough patches together and still come out feeling good about your relationship, then there’s a good chance you’re in love. For more advice from our Relationships co-author, including how to see if you’re okay with your significant other’s flaws, keep reading. Falling in love has a way of making you feel like a wide-eyed, wild-hearted teenager again, and that’s no coincidence, says Kelifern Pomeranz, PsyD, a California-based clinical psychologist and certified sex therapist. It’s normal to feel slightly hesitant when you’re falling in love. “We can experience insecure and anxious feelings,” says Dr. Burley. So check in with yourself and your mental health, and be honest about your feelings and what you’re looking for in a relationship—and try to communicate that as best you can.
Being proud of someone shows deep feelings, and you’ll likely want to brag about them. You may take pride in their accomplishments and feel good about their joy and success. When you’re with someone you love, you’ll talk about everything.
Falling in love is a magical experience that can bring immense joy and happiness into your life. However, it can also be confusing at times to determine whether you are truly in love or just infatuated with someone. Here are some key signs that can help you know when you are in love:
The willingness for both of your needs to be met should be reciprocated.
Doing simple things becomes enjoyable when you do it with someone you have deep feelings for. Wanting to introduce a romantic partner to your family signifies something more than a crush. It requires being comfortable enough to let them into the private areas of your life. Being in love means that you’ve made the decision to focus your time and energy into your chosen interest. You most likely won’t want to date anyone else, and people you were once interested in don’t matter much anymore. When your feelings deepen, you may be in love if you notice that you find comfort in honestly expressing yourself and prioritizing their needs.
A 2011 study published in the Journal of Family Theory & Review looked at studies about idealization in relationships and couldn’t determine whether it was a good predictor of marital satisfaction. You don’t need to be bitten by a radioactive spider to feel like you can scale a skyscraper with your bare hands. “When we’re falling in love, we feel invincible, omnipotent, and daring,” says Daye. “We have copious amounts of energy and can feel impervious to stress.
1. You Can’t Stop Thinking About Them
One of the most common signs that you are in love is when the person is constantly on your mind. You find yourself thinking about them throughout the day, and they are the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning.
If you really get to know a person, chances are you’ll pick on the little things that make them uniquely them. And if you’re in love with them, these are probably some of the things that attract you most about them. This is a good explanation for why people in new relationships can act absolutely nonsensically. If you’re lucky, putting in the time and effort during this initial period will pay off, and your mutual attraction can transition into a more stable (and less stressful) long-term relationship. Jasmine Gomez is the Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she cover the best product recommendations across beauty, health, lifestyle, fitness, and more.
2. You Feel Happy and Content
When you are in love, being around the person makes you feel happy, content, and at peace. Their presence brightens your day and brings a smile to your face, even during difficult times.
3. You Want to Spend All Your Time Together
Another sign of being in love is when you simply can’t get enough of spending time with the person. You enjoy their company and feel a deep connection that makes you want to be together as much as possible.
4. You Care About Their Happiness
In love, you genuinely care about the other person’s well-being and happiness. You go out of your way to make them feel special, supported, and cherished, without expecting anything in return.
5. You See a Future Together
When you are in love, you envision a future with the person by your side. You see yourselves growing old together, facing life’s challenges hand in hand, and creating lasting memories together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if it’s love or just a crush?
A crush is often short-lived and based on physical attraction or infatuation. Love, on the other hand, is deeper and involves emotional connection, respect, and a desire for a long-term commitment.
Can you be in love with someone you’ve never met?
Yes, it is possible to develop feelings of love for someone you’ve never met in person. This can happen through online interactions, shared interests, and deep emotional connections.
Overall, being in love is a beautiful and transformative experience that brings joy, fulfillment, and growth to your life. By recognizing these signs and trusting your heart, you can embrace the magic of love and cherish the special bond you share with that special someone.
