If you experience this feeling with your significant other, hold on to them tight.
Love is a mysterious feeling—and while many people know it well, they might not be able to put it into words. It can be hard to discern the moment your feelings shift from liking someone to loving someone. However, according to experts, there is a surefire sign you're in love: You're a better, happier version of yourself. Experts tell us that shift in your mood, outlook, and energy is enough to know that you're in love.
Some experts suggest that you know you're in love when you would do anything for the other person, and while this may be true, you don't need to be a martyr to be in love. Instead, a shift in your personal attitude can be a more significant identifier of true love."The number one sign that you are in love is your increased energy for life," says transitional life strategist Randi Levin. "True love fits and aligns with you. It compliments the best you in this moment, and as a result, it stimulates and motivates positive action in your every day."
If you find yourself giddier than usual, science says love could be to blame. "The number one sign you're in love is that you feel great! It's all that dopamine," says relationship coach Ingrid Sthare.While there are many chemicals involved in the process of falling in love, Katherine Wu at Harvard University writes that dopamine is the main player. According to Wu, dopamine is released when we do things that feel good. Thinking about, being around, and getting intimate with your partner causes your body to release dopamine when you're in love, which causes you to feel elated—and gives you that special glow.
"Being in love is feeling lit up both physically and emotionally," says dating expert Chris Pleines from DatingScout. "Studies show that a person's body releases a certain hormone [dopamine], which makes you feel good and cheerful when you are into someone. Even if that person is around or not, you feel wonderful just by knowing that you have them in your life."Additionally, being in love often makes you feel like anything is possible—both in your partnership and in your personal life. "You can stay up all night and still get to work on time. You have almost superhuman strength. You're charming and downright giddy," Sthare says.And when you're in love, you're likely to feel more committed to self-improvement and your personal goals. "There is a strong sense of wholeness and fulfillment from the inside out that translates to your personal life, but also impacts your professional well-being," Levine notes. "Things seem possible, and therefore you become more aware and mindful of opportunities and choices."Undoubtedly being in love means compromising and supporting your partner, but a healthy love should also feel like an awakening within yourself.
