Falling in love is one of the most complicated and beautiful things a person can experience. While it is a different feeling for everyone, there are some emotions and thoughts to be aware of to better understand what is happening in your head and heart.
Even if you haven’t been in a serious relationship, you may have experienced the constant need to talk to, wear new clothes for, or cook something delectable to treat a special someone in your life. Well, all of those signs suggest you’ve caught feelings for your partner, but are those feelings enough to turn your emotions into love?
How do you know when you love someone? What are the signs to look out for to show you’ve found the real thing?
There are a few signs to look out for that will let you know your feelings are real and that you are finally in love.
Signs You May Be in Love
1. Everything feels new, interesting, and exciting
When you are with someone special, you are excited to do things you’ve done thousands of times before. Whether it is eating pasta in the Italian restaurant on the corner of your street or walking in the nearest park, it now seems more fun and lively because it is with your new favorite person.
They are the ones you think of when you wake up in the morning, when you see a romantic TV show or movie, or when you are planning a quick weekend getaway. You’d be able to sit at home for hours as long as you are spending time with them. This is because love is sparking new changes in your routine.
When you are in love, your whole perception changes; you suddenly get excited about little things and you cannot wait to surprise them with a small gift or share something that happened to you at work. It’s almost like experiencing happiness 24/7. You have finally found someone that makes simple things fun, even if it is just going to the supermarket to buy groceries or sitting on the couch watching old movies.
2. They’re on your mind all the time
If you feel butterflies every time you think of your partner or blush every time someone says their name, it means that this person is special to you. When you are in love, they’re always in your thoughts. You might also have a sudden desire to call them because you haven’t talked for two to three hours. You miss them, and you can’t get them out of your head.
When you are in love, they are always in your mind, but it is not stressful or overwhelming. You enjoy thinking about your partner, reliving precious moments, celebrating happy memories, and making plans for the future.
3. You want your family and friends to like them
Having feelings for someone and being in love are two different circumstances. When you have feelings for someone, you are in a neutral position; you want the things between you to work, but at the same time, you aren’t sure what the future holds for you two. When you love someone, you can feel how your entire world changes in a positive way. Suddenly, your problems seem to go away (at least in the beginning), everything is right, you feel safe and protected, and you have all the support you need to achieve your goals and dreams.
When you feel this good about someone, it is natural to want your family and friends to accept and like them. Family involvement is essential for some people and could be the difference between enjoying a happy and healthy bond or experiencing a toxic relationship. If you love someone, you will want to introduce them to your closest friends and family members. They can provide an unbiased opinion on them and help you solidify the feelings of love you are experiencing.
4. You get a bit jealous (but in a good way)
Did you know that a certain amount of jealousy is good for a relationship? Some people think it is toxic, but I disagree. Every person wants to feel special from time to time, and minor jealousy is an excellent way to show you care for your partner and that you have nothing but good, protective feelings for them.
If you get a bit jealous when your partner goes out with friends or when they’re out of town on a business trip, it means you care for them. A small amount of jealousy is healthy for any relationship, whether you are together for one month or almost a year. However, don’t let dramatic situations and suspicious jealousy get between you. Checking your partner’s phone, having no or low self-esteem, or being constantly insecure is unhealthy for your relationship and may result in a breakup.
5. You are becoming a better person
When you truly love someone, you want to improve yourself in many ways. This doesn’t mean you weren’t a good person before, but now you have different goals and want new things. Your partner should support you without adding any pressure.
Let’s face it: you aren’t going to change yourself overnight. You will need time to adjust your routines and behaviors. When you love someone, you want to better yourself just as much as you want to improve your relationship. With mutual support and understanding, you will create a stable future and many happy moments.
6. Your relationship goes smoothly
How many of you have friends who fight all the time with their partners? I know I have two or three friends who say their relationship causes them mental stress, which is not how you are supposed to feel when you are in love. Some disagreements are bound to happen, but if you find you are spending more time fighting with your partner than being happy, it may not be love you are experiencing.
Being with the partner you love isn’t supposed to be hard work all the time. It should be easy and enjoyable. You shouldn’t struggle to find time to spend together because it should be something you both want. You will have arguments, but you should be able to solve them quickly, without saying any harsh words.
You also won’t be afraid to “lose” an argument or discussion because, at the end of the day, all you want is to spend time with your partner. You know you are in love when the relationship feels effortless, the communication goes smoothly, and there is positive energy around you.
7. You have empathy toward your partner
When you are in love, you support your partner and start seeing them as an extension of yourself. When they are happy, you are happy; when they are sad, you comfort them and try to boost their mood. Whether it is about work or a family concern, you want the best for your partner.
Feeling empathy towards your loved one is what makes the relationship even stronger. For example, getting up and going to the pharmacy when they are sick or cooking their favorite meal after they had a bad day at work seem like small things, but they show how much you care.
8. You are planning for the future
You won’t make any plans for the future if you are not with the person you love. If you are not sure about your feelings or emotions, your thoughts about the future will be uncertain and cloudy.
When you love someone, you know you aren’t going to let them go soon. If you include them in your plans, whether it is regarding a living situation or an upcoming vacation, you know it’s because you want them beside you. When you love someone, they become your constant “plus one.”
9. When you know, you know
To answer your question, “How do you know when you love someone?” I need to go back to the beginning. Whether you’ve ever been in love or not, you have to forget your previous experiences and concentrate on your current relationship. Your mind and body will give you all the signs you need to determine whether you are in love or it’s just a phase in your life.
If you can feel it in your gut, or if you feel something you haven’t felt before for anyone, that’s it. When you know, you just know. If you think about them all the time, want only the best for your partner, or are excited to introduce them to your family and friends, things are serious.
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Love works in mysterious ways,” and I couldn’t agree more. I think that each one of us deserves at least one great love story, and sooner or later, that story will happen for you. This is why I became a billionaire matchmaker in the first place: to connect elite men with the women of their dreams and to help beautiful women find their perfect match. You don’t know when you will meet your soulmate, but now you know how to tell if it is a true love story in the making.