Brain chemicals that surge during love can be blamed for some behaviors people in love experience. For example, the increased dopamine a person in love experiences can make it feel as though they are “addicted” to the other person -dopamine is known to be an active hormone in addiction. Likewise, increased serotonin acts as a natural appetite suppressant, which explains why some people in love feel as if they simply can’t eat. In order to figure out if you love someone, consider how researchers define romantic love. Many scholars see love as an emotional attachment (Hazan & Shaver, 1987), and as such, they consider the quality of a relationship rather than viewing love as a “yes/no” question. In other words, how would you characterize your relationship with this person?
Falling in love can be a beautiful and exciting experience, but it can also be confusing and overwhelming. If you’re unsure whether what you’re feeling is true love, there are some key signs to look out for that can help you determine if you’re really in love with someone.
This is where we let our partner explore their experiences while remaining open, accepting, and validating. In an emotionally intimate relationship, we support our partner’s explorations even when they are exploring their negative feelings about us. Embracing platonic love successfully requires you to set any romantic feelings aside.
A 2020 review also suggests that the interaction between oxytocin and vasopressin is important in maintaining romantic love, and this interaction can sustain love throughout the early stages of marriage. Humans may seek romantic love as it benefits survival, promising long lasting safety and reproduction opportunities. “If you love someone, let them go,” really does emphasize one key component of love.
Emotional Connection
One of the first signs that you’re in love is feeling a deep emotional connection with the person. You may find yourself thinking about them constantly and wanting to spend as much time with them as possible. You care about their well-being and happiness and prioritize their needs above your own.
Some people, especially those who are inexperienced, often believe that blowjobs are the only form of oral sex — or at least the one that should be most prevalent. However, oral sex can also be performed on a vagina (cunnilingus) or on the anus (anilingus or “rimming”). The only way that this could happen is if the semen comes into contact with the vagina after the blowjob. Blowjobs, along with other oral sex, commonly occur during foreplay, acting as a previous step to vaginal or anal penetration. Similarly, you can give and receive a blowjob as an act on its own instead of it leading to penetration. When hyaluronic acid binds with cellular water, it swells, resulting in a hydrating effect that locks in moisture and improves skin flexibility, Ingleton explains.
Vasopressin is another hormone that is involved in romantic love. Read on to learn more about the processes, characteristics, and signs of love. Although people may experience love differently, scientists agree that different brain chemicals influence love. Crystal Raypole has previously worked as a writer and editor for GoodTherapy. Her fields of interest include Asian languages and literature, Japanese translation, cooking, natural sciences, sex positivity, and mental health. In particular, she’s committed to helping decrease stigma around mental health issues.
Physical Attraction
Physical attraction is another important indicator that you’re in love. You find yourself drawn to the person not only emotionally but also physically. You may feel butterflies in your stomach when you’re around them, and the thought of being close to them excites you.
You may find it easier to engage in conversation with your partner and attune to them. By Rena GoldmanRena Goldman is a health writer and editor with over a decade of experience. Her work has been featured Medical News Today, Healthline, Forbes Health. Fast forward to now, researchers have studied love and come up with theories on how and why we experience it. The jury’s still out on whether love is biological – linked to hormones and biology – or cultural – linked to social systems. Rena Goldman is a health writer and editor with over a decade of experience.
“I knew I was falling in love with my now-husband Jack when I found myself calling him every night, wanting to share every little detail about my day and wanting to know about his,” she says. Falling in love can be unhealthy because it can imply that you couldn’t control being in love with someone. Once the initial falling has occurred, it’s up to you to consciously continue to love that person. Being proud of someone shows deep feelings, and you’ll likely want to brag about them.
Support and Understanding
When you’re in love, you’ll feel supported and understood by the other person. They will listen to you without judgment, offer advice when needed, and be there for you through thick and thin. You’ll feel comfortable being vulnerable and open with them, knowing that they accept you for who you are.
Long-Term Compatibility
Another sign that you’re in love is seeing a future with the person. You’ll be able to envision a long-term relationship with them, and you’ll want to build a life together. You share similar values, goals, and interests, and you can see yourselves growing old together.
Overcoming Obstacles
Finally, being in love means being willing to overcome obstacles and challenges together. You’ll work through disagreements and conflicts in a healthy and constructive way, rather than letting them tear you apart. You’ll support each other through difficult times and come out stronger on the other side.
Overall, being in love is a complex and multifaceted experience that involves emotional, physical, and practical aspects. If you find yourself experiencing these signs, chances are you’re truly in love with someone. Embrace these feelings and cherish the connection you have with that special person.
