How do I know if I'm in love?
Love means different things to different people. I believe the term is tossed around in too many ways, to the point where it almost has no meaning anymore. I prefer to use "intimacy" or "attachment."
There are biological aspects of attraction and passion that are an important part of intimacy. These form very potent sources of fuel for a relationship, and I think they can be very important if they also include a certain amount of consistent communication and emotional process. Other important ingredients include mutuality in the relationship, respect for the person, and empathy for whom they are and what their needs are.
Simpler signs are merely that this is somebody with whom you feel comfortable and enjoy spending time. This should be somebody you look forward to sharing an important experience with, and without that person, that experience would not be as special. Finally, you should feel that your life is fundamentally enhanced by having this person with you and when this person is not with you, you lose something meaningful.
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