While people tend to view people they like as pleasant, love is marked by being devoted, possessive, and confiding in one another. There’s no official or clinical definition of ‘pure love,’ so each person can decide what it means to them. One potential definition could be a love in which all parties are committed to supporting and caring for the other person over time. When you are in love, you will likely start to think the object of your affection is unique and special, focusing on their positive qualities. Being in love can increase the dopamine levels in your brain. Several other theorists have followed Sternberg in their quest to develop a comprehensive theory of love.
Real love in a relationship goes beyond just physical attraction or infatuation. It is a deep, emotional connection based on mutual respect, trust, and understanding.
Aside from the presence of serious red flags, a lot of these doubts can simply be manifestations of anxiety. This is particularly true if you tend to ruminate on the same things over and over, and especially if you’re in an otherwise happy, safe, and healthy relationship. A loving relationship will have times of good feelings, and ideally, lots of them.
I remember the first few arguments I had with my girlfriend Jess when we first started dating. I remember worrying that each would be the end of our relationship. But as I started falling in love with her, I remember that those arguments were less scary. I was more confident in my love for her, and knew that a silly disagreement wouldn’t end us. When you’re truly in love, you are willing to expose your heart to potential pain.
What is Real Love?
24 (you’re always excited to see him) really resonated. In my current relationship, this is always true. We regularly tell each other we miss each other–when we’re just sitting in separate rooms in our apartment. It’s almost nauseatingly cute how excited we are to be around each other. When you first started dating, you liked being wined and dined, checking out the hot new restaurants in town.
Real love is:
- Unconditional
- Sacrificial
- Empathetic
- Supportive
And you’ll know that you can 100% be happy on your own. Everything you think about in the future — from a camping trip you have planned in six months to living abroad in 20 years — has him in it. One of the signs of true love is simply seeing a future together and talking about it. You’re not just fantasizing about walking down the aisle to marry him, you can picture the small stuff too. Selling your house when the kids leave and moving into a small condo by the beach.
Unconditional Love
Real love is unconditional, meaning that it does not come with any strings attached. It is accepting your partner for who they are, flaws and all, without trying to change them.
Sacrificial Love
Real love involves making sacrifices for your partner’s happiness and well-being. It means putting their needs above your own and being willing to make compromises for the relationship to thrive.
Empathetic Love
Real love requires empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of your partner. It involves actively listening, being present, and offering emotional support when needed.
Supportive Love
Real love is supportive, standing by your partner through thick and thin. It means being their cheerleader, their confidante, and their rock when times get tough.
In conclusion, real love in a relationship is about nurturing a deep, emotional connection based on unconditional acceptance, sacrificial actions, empathy, and unwavering support. It takes effort, communication, and a willingness to grow together as a couple.
