When people experience the sensation of being “in love,” their dopamine levels surge, creating an almost euphoric state that can feel transcendent. This feeling is especially powerful when it’s reciprocated, making both individuals feel invincible, as if they’re untouchable. However, it’s important to recognize that this intense emotion may sometimes stem from lust or infatuation rather than genuine love. These fleeting passions can burn out just as quickly as they ignite, leaving both people disillusioned. Understanding the distinction between love and infatuation can help avoid unnecessary heartache and lead to more meaningful connections.
1. True love goes beyond physical attraction and the initial excitement of a relationship.
While lust may focus on someone’s appearance or the thrill of a perfect moment, love sees and appreciates a person in their entirety, flaws and all. When you truly love someone, your admiration for them isn’t dependent on how they look or act in certain situations—whether they’re dressed up for a night out or lounging at home eating pizza. It’s about feeling a deep connection and accepting them as they are, even in their most unpolished, everyday moments. Love means seeing beauty in their authenticity and embracing all the quirks and imperfections that make them unique.
2. You constantly crave their presence and feel a rush of nervous excitement whenever they’re around.
You find yourself wanting to be with them every chance you get, and it doesn’t matter what you’re doing — just being together is enough. You call, message, and look for any excuse to be close, and even after spending hours in their company, it still feels like it’s never enough. Their mood, whether they’re cranky or sad, doesn’t faze you because simply being near them is what matters most.
At the same time, each meeting fills you with nervous energy — your heart races, and you’re hyper-aware of every interaction. If those three little words haven’t been exchanged yet, you’re on edge, constantly wondering how they truly feel about you. You’re also anxious about the unknowns of the future: Will this relationship last? What does tomorrow hold? It’s a mystery you can’t unravel, leaving you in a constant state of both excitement and worry.
