Q&A for How to Define Love

Nope, not quite! Chemistry can feel really similar to being in love, but they definitely aren't one and the same. Ultimately, the test of time will prove if you have long-term compatibility with someone.

Infatuation involves getting caught up in the fantasy of who somebody is instead of liking them for who they really are. Once you spend a lot of time with someone, you can see how they treat you and you treat them, along with how you both align in each other's lives.

“True love” tends to refer to love that is stable, long-lasting, and defined by mutual respect and affection.

This is a complicated question, because there are several words in the Bible that are translated to mean “love” in English. For example, the Greek word “eros” refers to what we might call passionate, romantic, or sexual love, while “phileo” describes a deep and stable emotional bond. “Agape” describes spiritual love, which is similar to the selfless love that parents feel for their children.

It really depends on the man. Everyone has their own definition. For example, one man might define it as a combination of affection, respect, and sexual attraction, while another might focus more on feelings of attachment or desire for emotional closeness with another person. Others define love in terms of choices and actions rather than feelings.

You know because it happens slowly, you feel yourself thinking about them when they are not there, you want to see them all the time. You start dreaming about them, and you are unsure about your appearance when you are near them.

Yes, it is. True love is when you are willing to sacrifice your own happiness for someone else's. It means doing your best to support and understand your partner. That being said, true love does inevitably include some romance to get things going.

That can be one kind of love, although the love this article is focusing on is love for a person, which is a more complex thing than love for a thing. To love a thing, it may be enough to just feel very positively about it. To truly love a person, though, requires respecting them and treating them with love.

Do they go out of their way to support you and listen to you? Do you share inner feelings with each other or talk about your future plans? Try to answer these questions, first in your own head, then in a conversation with them. It's rarely as simple as yes or no, but this will get you started.

Absolutely. When two people first meet, the relationship is extremely loving, passionate, and affectionate. Some time into the relationship, things get real, personalities clash, the real you comes out. People change over time, and can drift apart.

That was a pop-culture pronouncement that arose in the 1960s, but it carries no significance within the psychological community. True love has the humility to apologize.

No, it is not. If you only feel sexually attracted to someone and not emotionally attracted to them, too, all it is is lust. Love does include sex, which can make the couple feel more intimately connected and closer to each other, but love is also about being emotionally attached to the person.

Love is long lasting, lust is temporary. Both are a result of chemicals and hormones in the human body.

Be positive and forgive others for the wrong they've done. Even though it's difficult, the truth is that everyone puts up emotional barriers and nobody is perfect. Become more spiritual and realize that when one door closes, another opens. You will most likely find someone who you love and who loves you more than you ever thought possible no matter how imperfect you or they may be.

You can't force someone to love you. If it's meant to happen, it will.

If he loves you, he will respect you and love you for yourself. He will be your best friend.

Actions speak louder than words. First of all, stop lying. Show her how much you care, but be ready for disappointment if she won't take you back. If she doesn't, move on. The person who loves you will understand your negative side and still care.

Yes.

Both can be considered types or components of love. Romantic love typically involves both of those things and more, as suggested in Step 7.

"We cannot live, except thus mutually / We alternate, aware or unaware, / The reflex act of life..." Put that in a search engine and you should find the rest of this beautiful poem.

Find a healthier way to communicate. Compromise in situations that don't warrant an argument. Speak to one another in a way that you would want to be spoken to. Respect each other's thoughts and opinions. Even if you don't agree on a particular subject, respecting your partner's viewpoint and listening so that the other person feels heard will lead to a much happier, longer lasting relationship.

Sure. It's up to you how you handle it.

You can, but you will need to resolve your trust issues in order to have a good relationship with a new person. You can love someone without trusting them, and if you can't trust the person you love, they (and probably you) will end up getting hurt. If you can't resolve it on your own, see a therapist.

Love is different for everyone. He may be nervous or scared, or he may not be sure that he loves you yet. While that might not be what you want to hear, it's better for him to be cautious, rather than blurting out "I love you" when he doesn't mean it. If you're happy with the relationship otherwise, try to be patient.

No. Sometimes people marry and things go terribly, "The honeymoon is over," and that kind of thing. What will help you stay in love is cooperation, understanding, patience, selflessness, and gentleness.

It may be, but lovers can miss each other even if the love isn't "true."

Not really. You can't force yourself to love if you don't. Sometimes it does happen, but not normally.

No one can compare to your real love. Ask yourself if your wife is the one you belong with or not. Don't let a relationship define you.

You certainly like him and could be falling in love. Keep exploring your relationship and don't be in a hurry to define your feelings. Continue to get to know him and see what develops.

No, you should not have sex until you are ready. If he truly cares for you, he will understand and not pressure you.