How to Tell the Difference Between Infatuation and Love

Often times love and infatuation are confused with each other in relationships and daily life. Telling their differences can be a blurry and confusing process when trying to distinguish the two. In these cases we must weigh the example to determine the characteristics it is made of.

Instructions

1. Evaluate your belief on love and stick to that belief. Find out what love is to you, so that it is clearly defined and you may use it for guidance from there on out. Your emotions may change but at least you will have a 'ruff draft' of what love is to you now.

2. Observe the current behavior in the relationship. What are the characteristics of what you feel, and what does the object of your affection feel towards you? Ask them to describe it to you if possible and find out what they would describe it as. Refer to your definition of love and compare the results.

3. Test the boundaries of what you believe. Notice the lengths that the other person will go for you and if it seems they are pushing too far too fast. Infatuation will not carry the person far for a long time. When someone goes through sunny and rainy days with you, then you know they are there to stay for awhile.

4. See things for what they are and be honest with yourself. Sometimes we tend to 'bend' reality slightly to make things fit that don't otherwise belong. If you notice that the comments and conversation are only superficial or that they only speak of one specific area when with you, they may be infatuated with part of you, and not love all of you at the same time. For example, the girl who can't stop talking about her boyfriend's car.

5. Compare it to a loving relationship that you know of. Your relationship doesn't have to be exactly the same as someone else's, but if you can clearly observe the difference, then this might be a flag of something you should key in on.

Tips & Warnings

• Knowing what love is NOT may be just as helpful as finding out what it is.