Making a commitment to someone can be one of the hardest things we ever do. You may be in love with someone, but knowing if it is the real thing can feel elusive and confusing. With so many intense emotions, how can you be sure this is something that will last? While there are no guarantees, here are a few telling signs:
You’ve Seen It All
“Love is not blind- it sees more and not less, but because it sees more it is willing to see less.” -Will Moss. In the words of my high school teacher, “you’ve been through four seasons and a road trip and still like each other.” You’ve experienced hard times together, accept them as they are, and still love them fully and completely.
You Feel Lucky
Just as you want to be with someone who feels lucky to be with you, you should feel the same way about your partner. You are aware of their flaws, and you also see and admire their goodness. When you wake up, when you kiss, when you see them sitting across the table, you wonder how you got so lucky to be with them.
You Want to Share Life Together
When you imagine your future, the other person is in it. The idea of being by each other’s side through a lifetime makes you feel excited and happy. You love sharing experiences with them, and you want to share a lifetime together.
You Can Grow Together
They bring out the best in you, and you know that you complement each other. While your temper rages, his calm nature cools you off. When his fear of taking risks creeps up, your love of adventure pushes him to try. You know that time together will help you both become the best you can be, and you know that you are both committed through thick and thin.
Your Friends Know
Those who love and know you best agree this is something special. They notice how you light up when you are together, how you smile when you talk about him, and how you seem to be happier overall. Insight from those you trust is another clear sign this love is real.
If you feel that your love might not be the real thing, remember that “single doesn’t mean you don’t know anything about love, it just means you know enough to wait for it.”
