by V. Z. Marcus

Created on: September 21, 2009

Few people who fall in love will ever forget the experience. It's one of the things that make life worth living. Falling in love tends to be one of the most defining moments in a persons life; a moment which can shape a persons future from that moment on. People find love everywhere and at all points in their lives. You might discover love young in your high school sweetheart, or run into it as middle aged math teacher. At times it may be difficult to recognize the signs of being of love, as the word is used in a multitude of misleading ways.

When we say we love something, it often refers to our immediate favor of a particular item or idea, be it your car or house, or the music that you listen to. It isn't engaging the attachment one develops in real love; the impassioned need and want that is defined in the case of romantic love. Because of this, we might sometimes use the word too lightly, or attach it in places where it does not belong. You might be wondering, how do I know for sure that I am in love?

The answer isn't as difficult as one might expect, and it relies on a few simple signs which can be observed whenever the question of being in love is asked. One of the first signs a person might notice is a general increase in the level of happiness in their life. Happiness is a firm indicator that something good is happening, and love is an unavoidably joyous event. Just being happy doesn't necessary indicate love, but if it seems to be the direct result of the time spent with another, or it appears to have a positive correlation with the appearance or proximity of another person, then it's very likely that they are responsible for what's going on.

Another sign is being concerned to a certain degree about the others well being. You might find yourself wondering what the other is thinking or doing or feeling when they're not around you. You might even worry about this person or feel a certain level of disappointment when they leave or are not present. When something happens to them that causes some sort of pain, you too might also feel it to some degree. This indicates that the person has affected you to the point where they have to a certain extent become a part of you, a living counterpart if you will.

You might notice that their faults have vanished. Those little things about their physical appearance or past choices that aren't perfect might have suddenly become obsolete to you. Love is blind.

Finally, ask yourself this question: has the needs of the other person become more important to you than your needs? If so, than it's likely that you are in love and have discovered someone else to live for besides yourself. Love can happen very slowly or quite quickly, but when it does, it leaves very little to be desired!

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