The idea of love is a constant on the radio and TV.As anyone who has been in love knows, love is not as simple as the media makes it out to be.There are some feelings that are common in all kinds of love, even though what it means to be in love will change from person to person.There are some clues as to what it means to fall in love.
Step 1: When you are in love, focus on someone else's happiness, not your own.
Being in love is about caring for another person as if they were your own.When you love someone, their fate becomes intertwined with yours.When they cry, get angry, and celebrate with their successes, you may feel sad.Love is likely growing if you can't wait to share good news with them or hear about their day.This doesn't mean that love is completely altruistic.You should feel the same connection as well.
Step 2: You don't need to share all the same interests to be in love.
You don't have to like everything in order to love someone.It is possible for your love to grow as you share and teach each other parts of yourself that the other person never knew.Disliking someone's taste in music does not mean you can't love them.Judgement, anger, or disrespect for each other's interests may prevent love from really growing.
Step 3: You can love the person you love for being themselves as well.
You're in love if you allow someone to be exactly as they are, without the belief that they would be better if they were different.Loving someone is about accepting them as they are and loving them despite their flaws.They don't have to be perfect for you to love them.You may learn more about yourself with this person, as loving them helps reveal truths about you that you might not have noticed before.If the other person is acting and speaking how you want, then your feelings are not compatible.Positive thoughts about someone can be confused with love.This is not loving a person for what they say or do.
Step 4: When they aren't around, you may feel addicted to them.
Being in love changes your brain chemistry to reward you when they are in your life.Love is likely to bloom if you are constantly thinking about them, missing them when they are gone, and finding ways to stay in contact with each other.When you think of them so much, you can't function on a day-to-day basis.The fear of losing someone is a natural part of love.
Step 5: Loving someone doesn't mean you never fight.
Love in the real world is not the same as love in movies and TV.From parents and children to happily married couples, people deeply in love will fight and argue.When you disagree, loving someone is more important than ever.You are able to work back to a common ground through careful communication when there are little arguments and fights.Even though you're angry or upset with them, you still love them.It takes time for love to go away after a bad day.It takes a lot of time to fade.Don't look at what you're doing as much as you think about love, it's not an action.
Step 6: What does love mean to you?
Everyone in a relationship has different needs and wants, and that leads to a different definition of love.What do you need in a partner?What do you offer?What did it feel like to be in love?20-somethings who just moved in together may have a different definition of love than a couple celebrating their 50th anniversary.This does not mean that both couples don't love each other.You are most likely in love if you feel it for several weeks or months.
Step 7: It takes time to develop love.
Love at first sight is not a real phenomenon.Love takes time to develop, as does attraction.Love is based on an understanding of the other person and cannot be rushed.You need to be with someone for a long time to feel like you understand them.
Step 8: Not all love is romantic.
Love is more than just sexual attraction.Most people love their families and friends.Love is based on a deep relationship that lets you know you can trust someone.You feel invested in each other's lives and happiness because you understand them and they understand you.
Step 9: Don't let the person know that you will always be there for them.
Show them that you care if they are having problems or upset.Listening to someone's concerns is often enough to assure them that you care.You don't need to fix all of your loved one's problems, just be there for the bad times as well as the good.
Step 10: Schedule time to be with each other frequently.
Spending time with someone is not a chore when you're in love.Making time to do activities together is not a problem because you want to be with them.It's a good idea to find things you love doing together and make time to do them.Don't just do activities, spend time talking with each other.To maintain love and trust, you need to be able to listen and share your thoughts.
Step 11: Negotiating on arguments and decisions.
You and your loved one are not always right.Being in love is about remembering how important you are to each other.Being in love means taking their point of view into account as well as yours, so you should stay true to yourself.There is a side to the story.Is there something you didn't know?Are you mad because of something that happened or because you got caught up in the argument?Do you still love and respect them?This is more important than the "winner" of the argument.
Step 12: Together we can build trust.
Loving someone requires vulnerability.Sharing the good times and asking for support during the bad is what you have to be willing to open up about.It is important to have a happy, loving relationship.Trusting each other deepens your bond and allows you to grow and evolve.In order to keep your love alive, you need to know what your partner wants and needs.Listening carefully and trusting is not just about talking.You should be open and honest about your life and schedule.Later on, hiding things can lead to painful reveals.
Step 13: Maintaining your own life and happiness outside of your loved one is something you should take care of.
You need to take care of yourself in order to care for someone else.If you fall in love, try not to neglect your friends or old hobbies.Being in love doesn't mean you do everything together, it means you respect each other for who you are.If you are in love, it will not be destroyed by a few weeks alone.Friends from before the relationship began are more likely to hang out with you.Now that you're in love, these friends are still important.When you need a moment to relax, develop hobbies or interests that you can eventually share or use to have "me" time.
Step 14: Be affectionate with each other.
The bonds of love can't be maintained just because you've been together for a while.Love takes effort to maintain, but it shouldn't be hard.From time to time, show your love and affection.
Step 15: Break up your routines when you can.
Predictability is a problem in many relationships, as you fall into a rut and feel upset.It's important to keep your love going strong, but that doesn't mean you need to change everything every few months.There are a few surprises here and there that show that you care about each other.Even if it's just for a long weekend, take a vacation.If you want to see each other once a week, make it somewhere new each time.Pick up a new hobby in a class or seminar.If you invite other couples over for drinks or dinner, you will make new friends.You can start a project like a book or garden.
Step 16: Staying happy for your partner is more important than any jealousy.
It's normal to feel jealous at times.When one loves another, jealousy doesn't take up a lot of space in the heart.If the other finds a new romantic partner, gets a dream job, or is a better cook than you, you should be proud of them.Feelings of anger or jealousy should not affect your relationship.You should be happy for the other person's success.When jealousy becomes suspicion, it becomes dangerous.
Step 17: Sometimes love fades naturally.
Not all love lasts.Whether it is because you are fighting more often than usual, life moves you apart, or your interests slowly drift away, some couples fall out of love.Sometimes it's best to break off a loving relationship in order to keep the spark alive.
Step 18: Don't feel obligated to spend time together.
Love isn't an obligation.If you don't want to spend time with someone you love, you need to examine why things are different now.Is there a more serious issue in your relationship, or do you just need some time alone?It's different from constantly ignoring or regretting the time with the one you love when you want to be alone.You shouldn't feel sad or exhausted after spending time with each other.
Step 19: It's a sign that you're losing love if you don't think about your partner.
Bigger life goals are what this is about.If you don't think about where your partner fits into the picture, you'll lose the feelings of commitment necessary to stay in love.Being in love with someone is a part of your foreseeable future.
Step 20: If there are no signs of affection or intimacy, notice.
This is true of all love.Something is up if you no longer want to touch, be near each other, or have a conversation.These things are easy when you are in love, but can feel strained or even embarrassing when your love fades.
Step 21: If you don't feel like you love someone anymore, you should end a relationship.
It's easy to ask yourself, "Do I feel in love anymore?"You can't point to a reason or flaw that caused you to fall out of love, but this is an unfortunate fact of life.People grow and change.The love may be gone, but it is unlikely to come back once it has faded.Trying to fake or force your love will only lead to more pain down the road.