Are you curious to find out if you’re truly in love with someone? Chances are, you’ve already asked a close friend or family member about the telltale signs. And if they’re like most people, they likely replied with something vague like, “You’ll just know,” or, “It’s hard to explain.” Not exactly helpful.
Some people recognize it in a single moment, while for others, it unfolds over months or even years, through small gestures. Below, therapists, researchers, and other relationship experts share the classic signs that you’re truly in love. Once you’re sure, all that’s left is saying those three words.
Sign #1: They Occupy Your Thoughts
It may sound cliché, but it’s true. You know you’re in love when someone starts taking up significant mental real estate. You might find yourself replaying your conversations during work, eagerly anticipating your next date, or even imagining a future together. For instance, one expert recalled rereading her husband’s texts and rewatching his photos during their early dating days because she couldn’t stop thinking about him.
Sign #2: You Wonder if They Feel the Same Way
If you’re constantly pondering whether they feel the same about you and searching for clues that they miss you, that’s another strong indicator, says Dr. Jacqueline Olds, clinical psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School.
“Your stomach and heart might flutter every time they reach out or suggest spending time together,” Olds adds.
Sign #3: You Feel Like a Teenager Again
Falling in love can make you feel like a wide-eyed, wild-hearted teenager—and for good reason. According to California-based clinical psychologist and certified sex therapist Kelifern Pomeranz, PsyD, your body produces a cocktail of chemicals when you’re in love. These include:
- Dopamine: Responsible for craving and desire.
- Norepinephrine: Drives excitement, focus, and attention.
- Testosterone: Fuels sexual interest and drive.
- Serotonin (lowered levels): Can trigger feelings of obsession.
These chemicals make you feel happy, giddy, energetic, euphoric, and youthful.
Sign #4: They Take Priority
“We make time for what—or who—we love,” says Rachel DeAlto, Chief Dating Expert at Match.
If you’re rearranging your priorities or rescheduling your plans just to be with them, you might be in love. Importantly, you don’t see these adjustments as sacrifices; they feel natural.
Sign #5: You Crave Them
Just like you might crave a favorite meal or seasonal treat, you can long for a person in the same way.
Helen Fisher, PhD, a biological anthropologist and Match’s Chief Scientific Advisor, explains that the brain’s ventral tegmental area (VTA) releases increased dopamine levels when you’re in love. This is the brain region tied to focus and desire.
Sign #6: Even Their Quirks Are Endearing
Apologizes too much? A neat freak? When you’re in love, every little (harmless) quirk becomes charming.
“You start finding everything about them irresistible,” explains DeAlto. Beyond behaviors, you become attuned to their emotional world—what annoys them, brings them joy, or makes them anxious.
“You care about their happiness as much as your own,” she adds.
Sign #7: You Feel Better About Yourself
Falling in love can lead to “self-expansion,” a phenomenon described by Theresa E. DiDonato, PhD, an associate professor of psychology at Loyola University Maryland. This means you feel your sense of self grows through your connection with your partner. For instance, if your partner loves hiking, you might begin to see yourself as a hiker, too.
Sign #8: Other Attractive People Fade Away
If you’ve stopped swiping on dating apps or DMing potential matches, that’s a big clue.
“Falling in love corresponds to a shift in attention,” explains DiDonato. People in loving, committed relationships tend to pay less attention to alternative partners.
Sign #9: You Overanalyze Everything
Replaying scenarios, dissecting texts, worrying about what to wear—we’ve all been there.
“Stress or anxiety changes can align with the early stages of falling in love,” says DiDonato. While exhilarating, the novelty and uncertainty of a new relationship can spark stress, as evidenced by rising cortisol levels or self-reported anxiety.
Sign #10: You Start Adopting Their Traits
The phrase “two become one” isn’t just poetic; it’s psychological. As romantic partners grow closer, their self-concepts begin to overlap.
“This self-other overlap fosters pride in your partner’s accomplishments and can lead to adopting their traits as your own,” says DiDonato. For instance, you might find yourself dressing, speaking, or even thinking more like them.
Sign #11: You Imagine a Future Together
Planning your next holiday or thinking about how you’d handle marriage and kids? These thoughts are a strong sign of commitment.
Imagining a future together—whether it’s a vacation, engagement, or moving to a new city—indicates you’re in it for the long haul, says Kang.
Bonus Sign: It Just Feels Right
“Most people find this question easy because the answer feels obvious,” says Schwartz.
That’s because love often comes with a profound sense of certainty and a lack of doubt. When you’re in love, your brain’s social judgment and critical thinking areas take a back seat, allowing you to embrace the relationship fully.
In love, you just know.
Source: 18 Signs You’re Falling in Love with Someone, According to Science
