If you’ve ever been in love, then you know that it can feel like a rush. Your heart palpitates, your palms get sweaty and you may fumble over your words or trip spectacularly while trying to saunter away. But despite its overwhelming emotional intensity, this is also one of the most complicated emotions that humans experience. Love comes in a variety of forms and is uniquely interpreted by each individual, and that’s what makes it so beautiful.
Some people define love as the love of a partner, while others believe that it’s more than just a romantic connection and can be found in relationships with friends, family, pets or even strangers. But regardless of how you define it, love has a powerful impact on the world around us. From the romantic films that entertain and delight us to the real-life relationships that shape our perspectives on life, love is a beautiful force that can be both rewarding and challenging.
It’s not always easy to determine when you’re in love, or whether the person you are loving is actually worthy of your affection. But there are some indicators that can help you determine the difference between infatuation and true love.
When you’re infatuated with someone, your brain is flooded with a jumble of chemicals, including dopamine (pleasure), adrenaline (fight or flight) and norepinephrine (alertness). This can make you feel on top of the world and almost invincible. But, in the long run, this type of love is not sustainable and can be toxic to a relationship.
In contrast, the true love that is based on mutual attraction and a deep sense of attachment can last much longer. This kind of love can help you weather the storms of life and provides a more sustainable source of happiness.
While this kind of love can be difficult to maintain, it is also more emotionally mature and requires you to think beyond yourself in order to care for the needs of another. While this can be challenging, it is a necessary part of loving someone, and it is a big reason why long-term relationships are so successful.
Even if you’re in a healthy relationship, there will be days when you aren’t feeling all mushy-gushy. And that’s okay! Just remember that there will be other days when you look at them and a giant wave of love will wash over you, making you feel so happy that your heart could burst.
While there are a number of ways to understand and define love, it is ultimately up to each person to decide what it means for them. Regardless of your definition, love is something that can transform your entire existence and is something to be cherished and treasured. Just be sure that the kind of love you choose is based on a solid foundation of trust. Otherwise, you may find yourself falling prey to a toxic love that can be just as destructive as any other.