How to Know You’re Truly in Love?

Ah, love. That elusive, mystical force that makes the world go round. Or does it? We’ve all heard the clichés and seen the Instagram quotes about what love is supposed to be. But let’s be real. How many of us have found ourselves scrolling through articles titled “10 Signs You’re in Love,” only to feel even more confused? I get it; we’ve all been there. This article aims to challenge the myths and set the record straight. What is true love, and how do you know you’re not just infatuated?

Love or Infatuation? Know the Difference

The Dangers of Misinterpreting Infatuation

Remember that time when you met someone and, within hours, started planning your wedding, naming your unborn children, and picking out a dog? No judgment. But that’s not love; that’s infatuation. It’s a common pitfall, mistaking that initial “wow” for true love.

Why Real Love is Calm, Not Overwhelming

Real love fits into your life; it doesn’t overthrow it like a military coup. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, it’s likely infatuation. True love is calm, steady, and it enriches your life rather than disrupts it.

Infatuation’s Red Flags

So, if they’re always on your mind to the point where you can’t focus on other really important things, like, I don’t know, breathing? Red flag. If you’re making significant sacrifices and it’s only been two dates? Another red flag.

What True Love Isn’t

We’ve all heard those well-meaning friends or advice columns tell us, “When you know, you just know.” But come on, what does that even mean? Let’s find some common myths about love that need debunking.

The “Always on Your Mind” Myth

So you can’t stop thinking about them. They’ve practically set up a permanent residence in your brain, rent-free. While it’s a cute thought, it’s not a sign of true love. It’s infatuation. If someone’s always on your mind, you’re likely neglecting other important aspects of your life. Remember, real love fits into real life.

The “They’re Your Everything” Myth

Okay, if someone becomes your “everything,” what happens if they leave? You’re left with nothing, and that’s not healthy or sustainable. Love enriches your life; it doesn’t become your life.

The Fantasy Trap

Ah, the good old “I see them in my future” line. While it’s great to envision a future together, make sure it’s grounded in reality and not just fulfilling some fantasy. True love isn’t about fitting someone into the picture-perfect life you’ve imagined; it’s about building a real life together.

The Acts of Loving

Love is often romanticized as this grand, overwhelming feeling that sweeps us off our feet. But what if I told you that’s not all there is to love? In fact, true love is more about what you do than what you feel.

It’s a Decision, Not Just a Feeling

Here’s a radical thought: You don’t “fall” in love; you decide to love. Sounds unromantic? Maybe. But it’s also incredibly empowering. Love is a moment-by-moment decision and re-commitment. It’s not something that just happens to you; it’s something you choose to do.

Love is an Investment

When you love someone, you invest in them. You put in the effort, time, and emotional energy. And it’s not about being petty, manipulative, or jealous. It’s about prioritizing their needs, understanding their love language, and acting in their best interests. Sounds like work, doesn’t it? That’s because it is—and it’s worth it.

Love in the Eye of the Storm

We’ve all heard that love is patient and kind, but what about when you’re just plain mad? You know you’re in love when you still act lovingly towards someone, even when you’re upset. True love means not keeping score, not holding grudges, and aiming for resolution over victory when disagreements arise.

The Healthy Signs of Real Love

Now that we’ve debunked the myths and established that love is more about action than mere feelings, let’s talk about the healthy signs that indicate you’re truly in love.

Prioritizing Their Needs Without Losing Yourself

Yes, love involves sacrifice and compromise, but it’s not about losing yourself in the process. You’re in love when you can prioritize their needs without tearing yourself down. It’s not a zero-sum game; their happiness can actually be your happiness.

A Team Mentality

You know you’re truly in love when both of you act like you’re part of the same team. You listen, you compromise, and you work together to solve problems. If you’re still keeping score or competing with each other, that’s not love; it’s a battle.

No Fear, No Attachment

Fear of loss or intense jealousy aren’t indicators of love; they’re signs of attachment. True love is secure and doesn’t demand constant reassurance. You don’t live in fear of them leaving because you trust in the strength of your relationship and in each other.

The Real Google Search: How to Love

So, you’ve made it this far, and you’re probably wondering, “What’s the real secret, then?” Well, the answer is simpler and more complex than you might think.

Being Love vs. Being in Love

We often differentiate between “being in love with” someone and “loving” them. But here’s the kicker: “Being in love” is often just infatuation. True love, on the other hand, is an action. It’s something you do, deliberately and consciously.

How to Love, Not Just How to Know You’re in Love

Stop Googling “how to know you’re in love” and start focusing on “how to love.” Because knowing is only half the battle. The real challenge is in the doing. Love is a decision you make and an act you carry out, every single day.

Final Words

So there you have it, the unabridged guide to knowing you’re truly in love. It’s not about the butterflies in your stomach or the fantasies in your head. It’s about the choices you make and the actions you take. Love isn’t something that just happens to you; it’s something you choose to give, and it’s something you choose to do. After all, true love isn’t found; it’s built.

So, what’s your love story? Share your experiences and insights; let’s create a community that understands the depth and complexity of true love.