OT: What's your definition of being IN LOVE?

For obvious reasons, this question has been mulling around in my head for a few weeks. I've never been IN LOVE and am confused as to how I'm supposed to know.  Some people say, "ya just know." But I don't, so please share how YOU know when you're IN LOVE...   

Still thinking about it? Love comes in different ways for all people. My hubby and I dated for a long time and in the beginning it was fun and exciting but I fell in Love with later in our relationship. It wasn't love at first site.I knew I was in love when I couldn't see my future without my hubby in it. For others they just know, how I don't know?  Give it some time and you will know.

This pic is fantastic - you look so fab!

when you can't bare to be apart even for a moment...when you can't imagine your life without that person in it...when your heart does little flip flops every time you see them (even first thing in the morning)...and yes, you really will just *know*... EDIT: I just wanted to add, after talking on the phone for about 2 months, the first time we met in person my DH had an engagment ring for me , and 8 months after our first phone call we were married, and here we are, 7 years and 10 months later - still married and still happy. What does love mean to you Tracy?  What does it mean to your boyfriend, or what do you think it means to him

this is only my theory, but i feel the only time you are ever truly in love is when it lasts forever.  this is difficult because you don't know in the moment, but will always know in the long haul.  i know it's controversial, but i feel that even the times people get divorced or were together for years and years, they actually weren't in love since the "love" didn't last forever.  one man's perspective.

I've given this one a lot of thought over the years. I learned about the stages of love: and the intense stages that turned out not to be love, rather lust, or even just two good people experiencing that rush of chemical "in the brain" love. TIME magazine had an interesting article on that several months ago. It is a magical stage/step and nothing compares to it. I've been there and knew that "this was IT" until it clearly wasn't. I am thankful for those expereinces though, because I learned so much. We can learn in so many ways. . . if we're open. Most of all-- TRUST YOURSELF DEEP DOWN and communicate a LOT. Hmmm. . . I want to summarize what I've learned, into three short sentences. That way, I can't let myself ramble and I'll have to choose my words efficiently. Okay, for me: 1. Love is when you begin to see, in action, that you both truly want to the other person to grow and to be happy EVEN WHEN that may not involve you. For example: I knew I really loved Dan when I got almost as excited for him as he did when he got to go on his "anuual guys fishing weekend."  2. There is a song, "You Feel Like Home to ME."  I used to crave the exotic and different. I got that confused with my curious nature. When I met Dan and he felt like "home," it was the sweetest thing and I knew it could last. 3.  Love is when you realize that you don't need this person to constantly impressing you, but rather, there is a settling stability that overcomes the relationship. For us, that place didn't fall gently upon as as snowfall. NO. We talked and talked, opened our hearts, laughed, cried, played a few "games" and then admitted it. (IE: I went out of town to see if you'd miss me, silly stuff like that.) FInally, when we were face-to-face with our fears about failing. . . we put our hands together and prayed for Wisdon and Grace from Above. THAT has become our key.  Okay #4: We're trying to keep in mind that it's the small stuff that makes or breaks us. The random and occassional thoughtful gestures, both ways, keep our hearts smiling. Time tells. ENJOY the finding out and don't worry about changing your mind, any day, any time. It's how we form ourselves.  You are lovable and capable.

Hey Sweetie!  In my case:  My DH said he *knew* I was the one for him from the first meeting....how? IDK!!  For me, I needed convincing!!  The more we were together, the more we talked and the more time we spent together *** we met 2-1-99, married 10-16-99 so , um, well time wasn't toooo much of a factor) is what made me see that he was right for me.  That he complimented me.  That he was strong where I was weak and vis versa.  I felt safe in his arms, knowing he wouldn't purposely hurt me.  We enjoyed common goals and interests.  After just 2 months of non-stop talk, seeing each other and dating we just knew that we both could make that commitment to each other(we didn't get engaged until May tho).  That's my story! If I may, can I make a comparison to WLS?  How did you know that it was right for you?  You knew that you needed it, that it would benefit your life but you were unsure if you'd love it, right?  THen you committed to having it done, did it, got results, but there are aspects of it you came across that weren't the best BUT you were committed to it!   I have always heard a saying and kinda believe it.  True love takes time.  Time to establish roots to withstand the storms.  Time to blossom into the full beauty.  TIme to truely enjoy it. HUGS HON!

Random thoughts on LOVE... I think "true love" has had time enough to endure some less than "butterflies in the tummy" moments.   I think that when you are mad at someone, but feel more miserable being mad than actual anger, you might have something...

I think when you look at someone and can see past their flaws to the good, and know the flaws aren't deal-breakers, then you might be in love.   I think when you KNOW you'd drop whatever else you have going on to HELP that person through something, and when they've done the same for you, you really have something.   I think that if you don't feel 100% confident with the thought of looking that someone in their eyes and saying "I LOVE YOU", then you probably don't.  At least, not yet. I think that if you have any nagging doubts, you shouldn't dismiss them, but determine if they are valid, or more a reflection of your own self-doubt. ABOVE ALL ELSE, you must be HONEST with yourself when pondering the above.  Don't WANT "love" so badly that you compromise. good grief, I can be a windbag...

I am so impressed with these posts...what fun to read!   I agree with many of the things people are saying here.  This could become a book.   Chicken Soup for the Dating Soul!  Wow!    

If I could date anyone, it would still be him.

When there is no question that he is the only one you want to be with.

When you can laugh and cry together.

When you get into a fight, you still want to wake up next to him.

When you get to date your best friend.