Plus, it’s hard to top the exhilaration that accompanies the earlier stages of romance. 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.
Being in love is a beautiful feeling that can sometimes be hard to identify. If you’re wondering whether you’ve found true love, here are some signs to help you know for sure:
Although this feeling will probably pass once you really get comfortable with your partner, it may be a good idea to carry around an extra hanky, just to be safe. Everyone wants to impress their date in the beginning of their relationships, but if you find yourself consistently trying new things that your partner enjoys, you may have been bitten by the love bug. If you find yourself going out of your way to keep your partner dry when walking in the rain or making them breakfast on a busy weekday morning, it’s a sign you’ve got it bad.
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. Some have been in love often and know the feeling well, and others may be not so sure if it’s love or just a deep infatuation. The first time you fall asleep without having sex, or spend a night alone, it might seem like you’ve lost something. Loving someone requires you to see them wholly and accept all their parts, just as they see and accept all of you.
1. Butterflies in Your Stomach
If they’re having a hard time, you may worry about their difficulties and brainstorm ways to help. The first flicker of love, when you fall head over heels for someone, often seems more like infatuation, complete with plenty of excitement and nervousness. Theresa DiDonato, Ph.D., is a social psychologist and a professor of psychology at Loyola University Maryland. Once you know the meaning of your emotions, you can choose how to proceed.
Because of that, it can be hard to distinguish between a crush, romantic love, platonic love, or even infatuation. To tell if you’re really in love with someone, pay attention to the way you think about them. If you find yourself thinking about the other person all the time, or if you can’t imagine your future without them, then there’s a good chance you’re in love with them. Do you really value what they think and what they have to say?
One of the most common signs of being in love is feeling those fluttery sensations in your stomach when you’re around the person you love. This physical reaction is a clear indicator that your emotions are deeply involved.
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. As DeAlto notes, this yearning is usually coupled with feeling a rush when you think of them.
2. Prioritizing Their Happiness
When you’re in love, you naturally want to see the person you care about happy and fulfilled. You may find yourself going out of your way to make them smile and ensuring their well-being is a top priority for you.
3. Constantly Thinking About Them
If you find yourself constantly thinking about the person you love, even when you’re apart, it’s a strong sign that you’re in love. Whether it’s daydreaming about future plans or reminiscing about past memories, they’re always on your mind.
4. Feeling Empathy and Understanding
When you’re in love, you feel a deep sense of empathy and understanding towards your partner. You’re able to put yourself in their shoes, see things from their perspective, and truly connect on an emotional level.
5. Wanting to Share Everything
In love, you have a natural inclination to share all aspects of your life with your partner. From your deepest fears and insecurities to your biggest dreams and aspirations, you feel comfortable opening up and being vulnerable with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How do I know if it’s love or just infatuation?
- A: Infatuation is often short-lived and based on surface-level attractions, while love involves deeper emotional connections and long-lasting feelings.
- Q: Can love develop over time?
- A: Yes, love can definitely develop over time as you get to know someone better and build a strong emotional bond with them.
