One of the most beautiful and confusing feelings a person can experience is falling in love. But how do you know if what you’re feeling is truly love or just infatuation? Here are some signs that might indicate you’re in love.
The truth is that falling in love usually happens so fast that there’s not much time to analyze. “Changes in stress or anxiety may correspond with the early stages of falling in love,” explains DiDonato. While exhilarating, the newness of a relationship, the uncertainty, and the intense experience of new romantic love can predict stress, as indicated by cortisol levels or self-reported anxiety, she says. The key, as Dr. Fleming says, is to be curious about your feelings. Sit with them and see if they change with time or circumstance. Do you only feel “in love” with this person when they’re nearby, but largely forget about them when you’re apart?
Research suggests that the hormone oxytocin, AKA “the hormone of love,” can have an effect on social behaviors. 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. I had never clicked with anyone so quickly and so organically. I finally got the courage to tell him because I wanted to get down more than I was scared of his reaction. His response was, “I don’t care, it doesn’t change how much I care about you.” That was the first time he told me he loved me.
You may choose to focus on what they need on the same level you consider yourself. It might be love if you only want to spend romantic time with your partner. Dating doesn’t always involve happy moments, as negativity is sure to arise eventually.
She found that most men and women reported recalling trivial things that their partners said and did, and they would also replay these moments in their heads. There are chemical similarities between love and addiction, and brain imaging has shown that the brain activity of people in love does resemble the brain activity of people battling addiction. For instance, both love and cocaine addiction seem to cause increased activity in the nucleus accumbens. While the above aspects of love are closely related, they don’t always occur at the same time.
1. You Think About Them Constantly
USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From “What is my love language?” to “How to start a conversation on a dating app?” to “What is the olive theory?” – we’re striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer. Obsessively passionate people are insecure and so preoccupied with losing their partner they actually end up neglecting them.
When you’re in love, it’s hard to get that special someone off your mind. They are the first thing you think of when you wake up and the last thing on your mind before you go to sleep. If you find yourself constantly thinking about them, it could be a sign that you’re in love.
2. You Put Their Needs Before Your Own
Another sign that you’re in love is when you prioritize your partner’s happiness and well-being above your own. You find yourself going out of your way to make them happy and ensure they are taken care of, even if it means sacrificing your own needs.
3. You Can’t Imagine Your Life Without Them
When you’re in love, the thought of not having that person in your life is unbearable. You can’t imagine a future without them by your side, and the idea of losing them is heartbreaking. If the idea of being without them brings you pain, it’s a good indication that you’re in love.
4. You Feel a Deep Connection
Love is more than just a physical attraction – it’s also about emotional connection. When you’re in love, you feel a deep bond with that person that goes beyond surface-level attraction. You feel understood, supported, and connected on a deeper level that you haven’t experienced with anyone else.
5. You Want to Share Everything With Them
Whether it’s good news or bad, when you’re in love, you want to share everything with your partner. You want them to be a part of every aspect of your life and you value their opinion and support. This desire to share your life with them is a strong indicator of love.
Conclusion
Being in love is a magical and transformative experience. If you find yourself exhibiting these signs, chances are you’re in love. Embrace this feeling and cherish the special connection you have with that person.
