How to Tell the Difference Between genuine Love and Infatuation
You find yourself constantly thinking about the other person, imagining a future together, or experiencing an exhilarating rush of excitement whenever you’re around them but how can you tell if what you’re feeling is genuine love or simply infatuation?
Infatuation often mirrors love in its intensity, but the two are vastly different, identifying the distinctions between them is vital for building a healthy, lasting connection.
Signs of infatuation
Infatuation tends to feel all-consuming, like an emotional whirlwind. While it can be exciting, it often lacks depth. Here are some characteristics:
- Infatuation is fueled by passion and urgency. You might feel like you need to see the other person constantly or that your happiness depends entirely on them.
- You may idealize the person and ignore their flaws, focusing instead on who you imagine them to be rather than who they truly are.
- The excitement of infatuation often fades quickly once the novelty wears off. Without deeper emotional roots, the relationship may begin to feel empty.
- Infatuation can lead to feelings of jealousy or insecurity. You might worry about losing them or feel a need to control the relationship.
- While physical attraction is important in any relationship, infatuation tends to place it at the center, overshadowing emotional and intellectual connection.
What genuine love looks like
In contrast, genuine love is stable, supportive, and grounded in reality. It takes time to develop but offers deeper emotional fulfillment. Here’s how you can recognize it:
- Love values the individuality of both partners. You respect each other’s boundaries, opinions, and goals without trying to change one another.
- True love grows as you get to know each other on a deeper level. It’s less about constant excitement and more about feeling safe and valued.
- Love isn’t about perfection; it’s about commitment. You’re both willing to face and navigate conflicts together, rather than walking away at the first sign of difficulty.
- In genuine love, partners maintain their individuality. You both pursue your interests and friendships while nurturing the relationship.
- Love deepens over time. Even after the initial spark fades, a strong bond remains, built on trust, communication, and shared values.
How to a which one you’re Experiencing
To differentiate between love and infatuation, ask yourself a few honest questions:
- Do I admire this person for who they truly are, or do I idealize them?
- Am I rushing into this relationship without truly knowing them?
- Do we have meaningful conversations, or is the relationship mostly physical?
- Do I feel secure in this relationship, or am I constantly anxious?
- Would I still want to be with them if the excitement faded?
Your answers can help you gain clarity about your feelings and determine whether your connection is rooted in love or infatuation.