Hey there, let’s get real about love.

No, not the movie kind with over-the-top gestures, but the real, deep, heart-thumping love.

The kind that makes you smile no matter what kind of day you’re having. But how do you know if it’s genuine love or just a passing fancy? 

Love can be tricky. It’s such a huge, deep feeling that sometimes it’s hard to tell if it’s really love or not.

But fear not – science has got our back! Researchers have identified clear signs that point to true love.

So, are you ready?

Let’s dive right in!

1) You prioritize their happiness

When you’re genuinely in love, your partner’s happiness becomes a top priority.

You find joy in their joy and their smile lights up your world. This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice all your happiness for theirs. It’s more about finding a healthy balance where both of you can be happy.

If you’re always thinking about ways to make them smile or brighten their day, that’s a pretty solid sign you’re really in love. This isn’t about grand gestures, but rather the simple everyday things that show you care.

2) You’re not afraid to be yourself

In the early stages of a relationship, it’s normal to want to put your best foot forward. But when you’re genuinely in love, you feel comfortable enough to let your true self shine.

This means being open about your quirks, your weird sense of humor, and even your vulnerabilities. If you can be yourself around your partner without fear of judgment or rejection, that’s a clear sign of genuine love.

Don’t forget, love is about accepting each other as you are, not just at your best but also at your worst.

3) You’re willing to make sacrifices

Real love often means being willing to make sacrifices for your partner’s happiness or well-being, even if it’s not always convenient for you.

For instance, I remember when I was in a relationship with my now-husband. I was living in New York and he got a job offer in California. It was a tough choice to leave my job, friends, and the city I loved, but his happiness and our future together were more important to me.

Therefore, I took the plunge, moved across the country, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Now, this doesn’t mean you should always put your needs aside. Sacrifices should be mutual and not lead to resentment.

But if you’re genuinely in love, you’d be willing to step out of your comfort zone for their sake.

4) You see a future with them

You see them as an integral part of your life in the years to come.

Whether it’s planning your next vacation or thinking about where you’d want to live, your plans always include them.

Interestingly, according to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, people who are in love tend to use more inclusive language, often saying “we” and “us” instead of “I” and “me”.

This shows that they see their partner as a part of their future and their identity. 

5) Their flaws don’t push you away

Falling in love isn’t about finding a perfect person. It’s about seeing an imperfect person perfectly.

When you’re genuinely in love, you see your partner’s flaws, but they don’t push you away. Instead, you accept them, and in some cases, you might even find these quirks endearing.

Take this for example: maybe they’re a terrible singer, but when they belt out your favorite song off-key, it brings a smile to your face rather than irritation.

Or perhaps they’re disorganized and often misplace things, but instead of seeing it as a negative, you see it as an opportunity to help and support them.

Bear in mind, love isn’t about perfection. It’s about acceptance and understanding. 

6) You truly listen to them

One sign of genuine love that I’ve personally experienced is the ability to truly listen to your partner.

When my husband talks about his day or shares his thoughts, I don’t just hear the words – I listen. Whether it’s a concern about work or a funny anecdote, I take the time to engage and understand what he’s saying.

Why is this so important? Because when you’re genuinely in love, your partner’s thoughts and feelings matter to you.

You want to understand their perspective and share in their experiences, so you listen – not just to respond, but to truly understand. 

7) You’re there for them, even when it’s not fun

Let’s get real for a second – love isn’t always rainbows and butterflies.

There are going to be tough times, too. But when you truly love someone, you stick by their side, even during the not-so-fun times.

Maybe they got sick and you had to cancel your weekend plans to take care of them. Maybe they’re going through a stressful time at work and they’re not their usual happy self. Or maybe they’ve made a mistake and they’re feeling low.

In these moments, if you’re there for them – lending an ear, offering a comforting hug, or simply being present – it shows that your love goes beyond just the good times.

It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s a strong sign that your love is genuine.

8) You respect each other

Respect is a cornerstone of any healthy and loving relationship. This means valuing their opinions, listening to their thoughts, and appreciating their boundaries.

Interestingly, a study published in the Journal of Research in Personality found that people who felt more respect from their partner also reported more satisfaction in the relationship.

Hence, if you and your partner have a solid foundation of mutual respect, that’s not just a sign of genuine love, but also a good indicator of relationship satisfaction.

9) You celebrate each other’s achievements

One sign of genuine love I’ve noticed in my own relationship is the joy we find in each other’s successes.

When my husband recently got a promotion, I was over the moon. His success felt like my own, and I was excited to celebrate with him.

This isn’t about being competitive or comparing achievements.

It’s about supporting each other and being genuinely happy when your partner accomplishes something, no matter how big or small.

10) You work through conflicts together

Nobody likes conflicts, but let’s face it, they’re an inevitable part of any relationship.

What really matters is how you handle them.

When you’re genuinely in love, you don’t just walk away at the first sign of trouble. You stick around, you communicate, and most importantly, you work through it together.

There will be disagreements and arguments but if you’re willing to listen, understand, and compromise for the sake of your relationship.

Because, it shows that your relationship is more than just good times together – it’s about growing, learning, and facing challenges as a team.

11) You feel safe with them

Love in its truest form brings a sense of safety and security.

When you’re genuinely in love, your partner is your safe haven – the person you can confide in without fear of judgment or ridicule.

The one with whom you can share your deepest fears and highest hopes.

This sense of safety isn’t just physical; it’s emotional too. Knowing that someone has your back no matter what life throws at you is an incredible feeling. 

A little reminder

Each relationship is unique and these signs may look different for everyone, but if most of these resonate with you, chances are you’re genuinely in love.

Take the chance embrace it, cherish it, and most importantly, never take it for granted.