Some scientists and psychologists believe that love is an essential human emotion, while others argue that it is a secondary feeling derived from the mix of primary emotions. Regardless of how it is defined, most people can agree that happy relationships are a good thing. A recent poll from Ipsos found that two in three adults describe themselves as happy, with the highest levels of happiness occurring in the Netherlands and Australia, at 86% and 85% respectively. Those who claim to be happier than ever before also tend to be more satisfied with their lives overall.
While some researchers focus on biological factors that lead us to fall in love, such as hormones like oxytocin and neurotrophins, others see love as a social and cultural phenomenon that is influenced by the beliefs and attitudes of people in relationships. In many cultures, the expression of love is a sign of commitment that can be as important as the physical act of marriage.
When you’re in love, there are times when it feels as if your heart will explode and there’s no room for anything or anyone else in your life. Then there are other times when you look at your partner and you realize that your feelings have mellowed. It’s all a part of the process. You have to embrace the peaks and valleys of your relationship. A true love is one that can withstand the toughest challenges that come your way, and it can thrive even in the darkest of times.
It can be hard to tell when it’s time to say “I love you” for the first time, but most experts say that you should be in a relationship for at least three or five months before you declare your feelings. In addition, Cosgrove and Ruiz recommend saying the words once you know that your partner feels the same way, although some people are ready to express their love much sooner than others.
You may feel tempted to pull a Dean from Gilmore Girls and dump your partner if they don’t respond to your “I love you” immediately, but that isn’t the right response. Instead, you should get curious and ask them what they were thinking. This is a great opportunity to have an honest conversation and to understand each other better.
Some research suggests that you can tell if someone loves you by the things they do for you, such as giving gifts, taking you on vacations and making time to spend together. It’s also a good idea to pay attention to how they treat their friends and family members, as well as the way that they treat themselves.
Finally, remember that there are no set rules when it comes to love. Every person and every relationship is different. If you really love someone, it will show in your actions and in the way that you talk about them. There are no guarantees in love, but it is always worth a try.
