Love is a complex and deep feeling that cannot always be expressed in simple words. People often wonder: “Is what I feel true love, or just admiration or a fleeting attraction?” This question is natural, especially in a world full of superficial feelings and quick relationships. To be sure of your love for someone, there are signs that can help you understand your feelings more clearly.
Emmanuelle Awad, a university professor and psychology expert, explains to nadormagazine the difference between love and admiration.
What is the difference between love and admiration?
The evolution of feelings from mere admiration to true love
Yes, there is definitely a difference between love and admiration. Admiration often begins as a physical or external attraction. It is the initial fascination with appearance or style, but it usually stays on the surface.
Love, on the other hand, is much deeper. When someone loves another, it’s no longer just about external looks. The brain activates reward centers, making the person think constantly about the loved one, feel happiness from their presence, and form a deep emotional bond.
In other words, admiration can be momentary or temporary, while love comes from an internal feeling of connection and a desire to share life with the other person. It is accompanied by care, constant thought, and psychological comfort.
There is a pattern in relationships where one person becomes inclined to please the other at their own expense, even if it requires personal sacrifices.
Another point is the readiness to always be there for the other person, even at the cost of one’s own comfort or interests. This includes making compromises, negotiating, trying to keep the other happy, even if it hurts you, and sometimes forcing yourself to act cheerful when you’re not feeling well inside.
Feelings can develop from simple admiration to true love. When you get to know someone, the relationship often starts with personal interest. But over time, if these feelings persist and deepen, it indicates the presence of genuine love. Continuity of interest and desire, with the growth of the relationship, reflects the shift from attraction to mature love.
Emotional impact of losing a loved one
When we lose someone we love, the effect extends beyond the present to how we imagine our future. We don’t only miss them now, but also picture our upcoming life without them. We wish they would be part of all our dreams and goals, envisioning future moments together despite knowing they will no longer be physically present.
True love means accepting the other deeply
When you truly love, you accept the other person’s flaws and mistakes. You don’t deny their shortcomings but handle them with forgiveness and patience. This does not happen with mere admiration or temporary attraction.
Signs that help you understand your feelings
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Constant thoughts about the person: When you love someone, they are constantly on your mind without trying. You may remember small details or wish to share daily moments, even the simple ones. Their presence in your thoughts without clear reason signals emotional attachment.
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Genuine care for their happiness: True love shows in your sincere desire to see the other happy, even if you are not part of that happiness sometimes. You care about their feelings and want to support them without expecting anything in return.
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Accepting them as they are: Love means you don’t try to change the other to meet your expectations. You love their flaws as much as their strengths and handle mistakes with tolerance. True love is unconditional acceptance.
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Feeling safe with them: Loving someone means feeling comfortable and secure around them. You don’t fear being yourself or feel the need to pretend. Love gives you space to be authentic.
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Reasonable jealousy and care: Moderate jealousy is natural and shows you care and fear losing the loved one. But it becomes unhealthy if it turns into possessiveness and control. True love balances jealousy and trust.
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Planning a shared future: If you find yourself thinking of the person as part of your future and including them in long-term plans, it’s a sign your feelings are deep and serious, not just fleeting.
In the end, love isn’t measured by many words or romantic moments alone, but by actions, sacrifices, honesty, and commitment. To confirm your love for someone, look inside yourself honestly and observe how their presence affects your life. True love builds, heals, and leads to maturity, not weakness.
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