Being in love is one of the most powerful and transformative experiences in life. It can feel like a whirlwind of emotions, sensations, and thoughts that consume your entire being. Here are some insights into what it feels like to be in love:
More modern media examples, including romantic comedies and sentimental tales of soul mates, can sometimes be a little hard to swallow, especially if Cupid’s arrows don’t strike you quite that hard. Non-romantic love, on the other hand, is characterized by admiration, respect, warmth, and intimacy. Of course, not everyone in love will identify with every sign on this list. You may also believe only the positive ones apply to your relationship. Still, you may be in love if some or all of the following signs resonate with you.
It refers to the deliberate decision to invest in a relationship over the long term. According to a 2010 study conducted at Rutgers University, the feeling of falling in love can feel similar to the euphoric sensations brought out by illicit drugs. When falling in love or feeling a strong sense of romantic attraction, the brain releases chemicals ranging from dopamine to oxytocin, adrenaline, vasopressin, and even cortisol. For instance, you feel the need to share even the smallest moments of your day with your person, and maybe you discover that their interests are suddenly becoming your interests, too. Or, perhaps you seamlessly start rearranging your schedule to make more time for your partner.
If you find yourself able to quickly rattle off your partner’s interests, middle name, favorite ice cream flavor, or describe the breed of dog they had when they were a kid, it could be a good sign. Love can change your brain and, in many cases, profoundly affect your well-being for years to come. As the saying goes, we are all fools in love, which we can partly blame on the decreased activity in areas of the brain connected to rational thought and self-awareness. No matter what the poets say, love doesn’t actually come from the heart. Of course, writing verses about what’s happening in the depths of the ventral tegmental area sounds a bit less lyrical. “It’s in those moments of restlessness and upheaval that you find out who you are and what it truly means to love each and every day,” Ford said.
Intense Emotions
When you believe you’ve finally found “the one” dopamine is activated in droves. Dopamine is a brain chemical that it released to alert us that our needs are about to be met. Someone else will say it’s about the unquestioned trust, honesty, and comfort that comes with having a long-term relationship.
Sometimes, it can even take years, if, for example, a close friendship turns into love over time. “It depends on the context of meeting and how the relationship with that person unfolds,” Dr. Pauline Yeghnazar Peck, licensed psychologist, adds. There’s a lot of people that we meet in our lives who don’t always deserve to be a priority, so if you start making room for someone in your life, it’s because you have strong feelings for them.
Also, it’s important to note that phenylethylamine or PEA is a chemical in the brain that causes the release of dopamine. So if you’ve found your love, you might feel extremely happy and blessed to be with them. In other words, love can feel like several different emotions, even at once. For example, some people will describe love as intense and passionate, yet others describe it as peaceful and comfortable. As said above, love means different things to different people. Therefore, we also experience it and feel it in unique ways.
When you are in love, you may experience intense emotions such as happiness, joy, excitement, and contentment. These emotions can be overwhelming at times, making you feel like you are on cloud nine. Love has a way of bringing out the best in people and filling their hearts with warmth and affection.
Deep Connection
Being in love often involves forming a deep emotional connection with someone. You may feel like you truly understand and connect with your partner on a profound level. This connection can create a sense of unity and closeness that is unparalleled by any other relationship.
Butterflies in Your Stomach
One of the classic signs of being in love is the feeling of butterflies in your stomach. This sensation of nervousness and excitement is a common physical response to being around the person you love. It can make your heart race and your palms sweat, creating a sense of anticipation and thrill.
Constant Thoughts
When you are in love, it can feel like the person you love is constantly on your mind. You may find yourself thinking about them throughout the day, wondering how they are doing and wanting to be with them. Love has a way of consuming your thoughts and making you feel like you are always connected to your partner.
FAQs
- Can everyone experience love?
- Yes, love is a universal emotion that can be felt by anyone regardless of age, gender, or background.
- Is love always easy?
- No, being in love can sometimes be challenging and require effort, communication, and compromise from both partners.
- How do I know if I am in love?
- You will know you are in love when you feel a deep connection, intense emotions, and constant thoughts about the person you love.
