You don’t worry they’ll dump you if you leave dishes in the sink or forget to take out the trash. You accept that both of you will always wake up with morning breath. If your friends point things out, consider what they have to say. They aren’t in love with your partner, so they have a clearer perspective and may notice things you miss. In the first rush of being in love, you might feel completely dedicated to your partner, ready to do anything and everything to help them through a tough spot or even just make their lives a little easier.
Love is a complex and powerful emotion that can be difficult to understand. Many people struggle with deciphering whether their feelings towards someone are truly love or just infatuation. If you’re questioning your emotions, here are some signs that may indicate you are in love:
The powerful urge to be connected to this person brings new aspects to your relationship, such as emotional or physical intimacy, passion, and a desire to know everything about them, and be known by them in return. Indeed, one strong predictor of relationships ending is how attentive people are to other potential dating partners. Models of relationship success (such as Rusbult’s investment model) show that the staying power of relationships takes mutual investment and commitment. If love is passion, security, and emotional comfort, commitment is the necessary decision made within one’s cultural and social contexts to be with that person.
“If you’re someone prone to infatuation and crushes,” Dr. Fleming warns, “the question is what are the patterns? Do you pine for people who are unavailable, long-distance, married? ” If so, she suggests taking a beat and really considering whether this time is different.
1. You Can’t Stop Thinking About Them
However, this is very unlikely if you’re only doing oral sex. However, you can significantly reduce the risk of STIs by using a condom during oral sex. While no protective method will completely avoid STIs, taking preventive measures is essential for giving and receiving oral sex safely.
One of the most common indicators of being in love is constantly thinking about the person. If they are always on your mind, even when you’re busy with other tasks, it’s a good sign that your feelings run deep.
2. You Care About Their Happiness
In love, you prioritize the happiness and well-being of your partner. You go out of your way to make them smile, support their goals, and ensure they feel loved and appreciated.
Being in love with someone makes you want to have them for yourself exclusively, so a bit of jealousy is natural, as long as it is not obsessing. Patrick Pester is a freelance writer and previously a staff writer at Live Science. His background is in wildlife conservation and he has worked with endangered species around the world. Patrick holds a master’s degree in international journalism from Cardiff University in the U.K. Dr. Yasmine S. Ali is an award-winning physician writer who has published across multiple genres and media. She is President of LastSky Writing, LLC, and has 25 years of experience in medical writing, editing, and reviewing, across a broad range of health topics and medical conditions.
Being in love can give you the confidence and the support to love yourself just as fiercely as you love your partner. You should be able to display all the quirks in your personality with happiness and acceptance. You will know your love is real because you will learn new things about each other all the time. The longer you love one another, the deeper your trust with one another will be. However, whether you and your partner experience a minor disagreement or a significant argument, neither of you should want to hurt the other.
3. You Feel Happy and Secure Around Them
When you’re in love, being with that person makes you feel happy, safe, and secure. Their presence brings you comfort and joy, and you can be your true self without fear of judgment.
4. You Want to Share Your Life With Them
If you find yourself envisioning a future with this person by your side, it could be a sign that you’re in love. You see them as a long-term partner and want to build a life together.
5. You Experience Empathy and Understanding
Love involves empathy and understanding towards your partner’s feelings and needs. You listen attentively, offer support during tough times, and strive to connect on a deeper emotional level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I differentiate between love and infatuation?
Infatuation often involves intense feelings of attraction and obsession, whereas love encompasses deeper emotional connections, mutual respect, and long-term commitment.
Can love develop over time?
Absolutely! Love can grow gradually as you spend more time getting to know someone, building trust, and forming a strong bond based on shared experiences and values.
By recognizing these signs and reflecting on your feelings, you can gain a better understanding of whether you are truly in love with someone. Remember, love is unique for everyone, so trust your instincts and emotions.
