5 Signs You Are In Love
At a Glance: Love is a complex emotion. Each person's understanding and expression of love are shaped by their distinct perspectives, values, and personal histories. It is a deeply personal and subjective experience. But there are certain physical and emotional signs to let you know you might be in love. If you find yourself experiencing the signs of being in love, congratulations – you may very well be in love, embarking on a journey that has the potential to be one of the most profound and fulfilling aspects of your life.
Reviewed by Internal Psychologist and General Physician
Introduction
Love is a profound and complex emotion. It has been a subject of fascination, exploration, and artistic expression throughout human history.
From poets and philosophers to scientists and psychologists, everyone seems to have their own interpretation of what love truly is.
In this blog, we will delve into the multifaceted nature of love, attempting to define it and explore the various stages one goes through when experiencing this powerful emotion.
Moreover, we will identify five signs that indicate you might be in love with someone.
What is Love?
Defining love is challenging. Love is a subjective experience that manifests in various forms and intensities.
Psychologist Robert Sternberg proposed the triangular theory of love, suggesting that love consists of three components:
- Intimacy
- Passion
- Commitment
Intimacy involves emotional closeness and connection. Passion refers to feelings and desires that lead to physical and sexual attraction, and romantic feelings. Commitment is the decision to stay with and support the loved one.
Based on the love components, whether one or a combination of two or more components, there are 7 different love experiences.
These types of love can change during the relationship. For instance, it might start as passionate love, become romantic, and later become companionate love.
- Liking: Intimacy
- Infatuation: Passion
- Empty Love: Commitment
- Romantic love: Intimacy+Passion
- Companionate Love: Intimacy+Commitment
- Fatuous Love: Commitment+Passion
- Consummate Love: Intimacy+Passion+Commitment
Consummate love represents the ideal relationship because it has all three components. Couples experiencing such love have a great sex life even after being together for several years.
They can't imagine being truly happy without their partners. They work through problems and face challenges together even when things get tough.
Romantic Love vs Platonic Love
Love, in its many forms, can be broadly categorised into romantic and platonic love.
Romantic love typically involves passion, desire, and a strong emotional connection between individuals. It often comes with sparks of physical attraction, sometimes leading to long-term commitments like marriage.
On the other hand, platonic love is characterised by deep friendship, emotional support, and a sense of camaraderie. It's like having a buddy who's got your back but without the romantic or flirty tunes.
While both forms of love are valuable, they differ in their expressions and the dynamics that define them.
Are there Stages in Love?
People may not fall in love the same way. It sometimes progresses through specific stages.
Although these stages are not universally agreed upon, many psychologists recognize a general progression in romantic relationships.
Infatuation
The first spark of love, when you're head over heels for someone, is marked by intense infatuation and passion.
If the feeling is mutual, the euphoric bliss that couples feel can keep them completely focused on each other.
Neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine drive this phase, creating the 'butterflies in the stomach' sensation and obsessive thoughts.
This stage is also marked by putting their partner on a pedestal and having an intense focus on the person they're infatuated with.
Emotional Attachment
As time passes, the initial intensity gives way to a deeper emotional connection in the attachment stage.
Feelings of security and comfort emerge, and oxytocin, known as the love or bonding hormone, plays a crucial role.
Commitment
The commitment stage represents the pinnacle of a strong emotional bond, with partners making long-term plans.
The relationship becomes a source of support and fulfillment, marked by a conscious decision to invest in overcoming challenges and growing together.
While these stages offer a broad framework, love is not a linear process, and the stages can fluctuate in a relationship.
5 Signs: How to Know if You Are in Love with Someone?
Let's explore five signs that suggest you might be in love with someone:
Always On Your Mind
If you catch yourself thinking about that special someone all the time – at work, during hobbies, or just doing regular stuff – it's a sign that love has taken over.
It's more than just liking them; it's a deep connection that fills your day.
Their Happiness Matters Most
Love comes with this awesome caring and concern for the other person's happiness. If you're always putting their joy first and making sacrifices to keep them comfy and happy, that's a strong signal.
Desire for Connection and Intimacy
Love involves more than just physical attraction; it encompasses a profound desire for emotional connection and intimacy.
If you find yourself wanting more than just hugs and kisses – like a real, deep connection – that's a sure sign love is in the air.
Life Brims with Excitement
Being in love adds a burst of vibrancy to life. The mundane becomes extraordinary, and the ordinary turns into an adventure.
Simple moments, like a shared laugh or a quiet evening together, carry a heightened sense of joy and significance.
Dreaming of Forever
Love often makes you shift gears from the present to the future.
If you catch yourself making long-term plans with your special someone, imagining them in your life for years to come, and picturing a future together, guess what? Love has firmly planted its roots.
Does Love Fade with Time?
The intensity of love can evolve over time.
In the beginning, it's all about excitement and infatuation, but as the plot thickens, a deeper and more meaningful love emerges.
Yet, just like any good story, there are twists and turns. Life changes, communication bumps, or unmet expectations can dim the initial spark.
Sustaining love in a relationship requires effort, communication, and a commitment to nurture it.
With the right mix of effort and communication, love not only endures but can also become even stronger as the chapters of your story unfold.
What is Unrequited Love and How to Deal with it?
Unrequited love happens when you love someone who doesn't feel the same way. It can be tough and emotional.
Understanding love might mean embracing the fact that sometimes it won't always blossom exactly as you want it to.
To deal with unrequited love, it's important to acknowledge and accept your feelings, give yourself time to heal, and focus on self-care.
Sometimes, creating boundaries and giving yourself some emotional space is necessary for moving forward.
Talking to friends, family, or a mental health professional can offer valuable support and guidance during this challenging period.
Why do We Sometimes Use the Phrase 'Love is Blind'?
The phrase "love is blind" suggests that when we are in love, we may overlook flaws or view our special someone through rose-colored glasses.
It implies a certain level of bias, where affection and emotions can cloud our judgment, leading us to see the person we love in an overly positive light.
While this intense emotional state is a beautiful aspect of love, it's important to strike a balance between the euphoria of affection and a realistic understanding of our partner's strengths and weaknesses.
Speaking with trusted friends, family members, or a trusted mental health professional for their perspectives is one of the best approaches to dealing with this phenomenon.
Sometimes, an outsider's view can provide valuable insights and offer a more objective assessment.
Also, take time for personal reflection and be aware of your biases and expectations.
While love may have moments of blindness, a clear and balanced perspective ensures a relationship grounded in reality and sustained by genuine connection.
While it's wonderful to see the best in your partner, maintain a realistic view of the relationship.
If you feel you need to, you can seek professional counseling to provide guidance. A neutral third party can facilitate discussions and offer strategies for building a stronger connection.
Conclusion
The emotion of love is intricate and varies from individual to individual, reflecting the unique and diverse ways people experience it.
Nevertheless, being in love is a profound and often exhilarating experience. It's like having your emotions set on a joyful roller coaster.
But it is also important to note that it can also be complex, requiring effort, understanding, and open communication to navigate the ups and downs of a relationship.
