You’re attracted to your partner, but how much do you like him or her? Liking is distinct from passion, but a component of the kind of “in love” that tends to translate into long-term relationship happiness (Ault & Lee, 2016). Liking your partner signals a high degree of reward in a relationship, and the kind of interpersonal pleasure helpful in sustaining a relationship. Because of the involvement of the reward system, a person in love may want to constantly spend time with this person because of the pleasure it brings. Humans may seek romantic love as it benefits survival, promising long lasting safety and reproduction opportunities.
You can consider if you’re ready to take your relationship to the next step or want to take your time. You must continually decide to love someone because you want to. It’s possible that her newish relationship with Kelce, which kicked off sometime in the summer of 2023, influenced tracks, but not terribly likely. When Swift began working on the album, right after she released Midnights, she hadn’t met Kelce. It may or may not be a deliberate echo of the now infamous “Tortured Man Club” group chat that Joe Alwyn shared he’s part of on WhatsApp with Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal.
Monisha “Six” Holmes is an astrologer and Master of Social Work (MSW) who covers love, relationships, and wellness. She earned her MSW at Columbia University, where she specialized in contemporary social issues. Aside from writing, Monisha is the founder of Black Women Being, a media platform aimed at promoting wellness, spirituality, and justice.
Others thrive with both friends and romantic partners in their lives. Perhaps you can’t imagine life without romance and pursue relationships in the hopes of finding the right partner or partners. You might lust after them a little (though you can experience romantic love without ever desiring a physical relationship).
Falling in love is a beautiful and exhilarating experience that can bring joy and fulfillment to your life. But how do you know if what you’re feeling is truly love? Here are some signs that can help you determine if you have found true love:
Signs You’re in Love:
But this sometimes suggests a controlling or manipulative personality, not true romance. A partner who loves you will likely trust you, unless you betray them. They won’t question you when you see friends, follow you, or go through your phone or computer. This lack of information can cause someone to fill in the gaps with whatever they want, which can feed infatuation until something happens to break the spell.
There’s also some evidence to suggest that the culture we grow up in can determine the way we view love and how we act in romantic relationships. Still, we’re all individuals who bring personal experiences into love and relationships. For example, the way we would love a family member isn’t the same way we would feel love for a romantic partner. In the past, romantic love was mainly discussed by writers and centered in many well-known love stories. If you believe in reincarnation, you know the soul continues beyond death. You know that this life is just one of countless lives you’ve already lived before.
- Butterflies in your stomach: When you see or think about the person you love, do you feel butterflies in your stomach? This physical reaction is a common sign of being in love.
- You prioritize their happiness: When you’re in love, you naturally put your partner’s needs and happiness above your own. Their well-being becomes a top priority for you.
- You can’t imagine life without them: If the thought of not having this person in your life fills you with sadness or dread, it’s a strong indication that you’re in love.
Frequently Asked Questions About Love:
- Can you be in love with more than one person at a time?
- Is infatuation the same as love?
It’s possible to have strong feelings for multiple people, but being in love typically involves a deeper emotional connection with one specific person.
Infatuation is often characterized by intense feelings of attraction and desire, while love entails a deeper emotional bond and genuine care for the other person.
Ultimately, love is a complex and deeply personal emotion that can manifest differently for each individual. Trust your instincts and pay attention to how you feel when you’re with the person in question. If you’re experiencing genuine care, admiration, and a desire for their happiness, chances are you’re in love.
