How can I tell I’m in Love?

It is a very common question, "How can I tell I'm in love?", but it is not an easy question to answer. What feels like love to one person may be nothing more than attraction to another. Some people fall in and out of love quickly and often while others are never really in love as much as they are in lust. This can get confusing when you are a teen because romantic love is a relatively new concept for you and you don't know what to expect. You are overwhelmed with all sorts of new feelings and social pressures. They are confusing. What is love? What makes you want a romantic relationship with one person and not another? How does your heart choose a partner? Why does love end? These questions can't be easily answered.

There is no easy way to find the truth behind your feelings or the feelings of another person but there are some tell-tale signs that love is blooming (or growing deeper). If this signs below are applicable to you, Buddy! You are probably in love.

You're scared to death...

of losing her, of keeping her, of never being with another woman... the list goes on and on. Are you ready for all this? What if it crashes and burns like your last relationship? Wait, how did you let this happen again? Yet deep down, you know you’re going for it anyway.

You'll do whatever it takes to impress her.

“You want to go for salsa dance? Sure." "And eat at the vegetarian restaurant afterward? Why not?” When you’re willing to bend your own rules, try new things, and go the extra mile for her - like walking her fluffy, little dog when she’s sick or helping her move when you should be watching the game - chances are, it’s that crazy little thing called love.

She's on your mind, she's on your mind...

She comes into your thoughts constantly: “Sally would love this restaurant,” “I wonder what she’s doing?” or “What can I text her without sounding too sprung?” You want her to be thinking of you too, of course, so you make up little excuses to call and say hi. Thinking about her while hoping and praying she’s thinking about you? Yeah, you’re a goner.

She makes you want to be a better man.

The stakes are high when you meet a woman that blows your mind. You become more serious and focused about getting your act together and fixing your money situation or hitting the gym. Things that used to dominate your mind just aren't as important anymore. Yes, your favourite team just lost, but the sting isn’t quite as bad with her sitting next to you. Besides, her rubbing your shoulder might even make it worth it.

You just want her to be happy.

It’s not just about you anymore. When her boss is working her to death, you help her figure out what to say. If she’s sick, you’re at the store buying soup and crackers. After she gets in a fight with her sister - even though you may have no idea what the fight was really about - you distract her so she can get back to her usual self. Because when she’s happy and laughing and so alive… there’s just nothing else like it.

You can't wait to share the good news.

Your friends know her name, her dog’s name, how she likes her eggs... Because when you’re head over heels, you talk about her. A lot. You hold her hand in public and keep your arm around her so no one gets any funny ideas about moving in. She’s pretty special, after all - how exactly did you get her again? - and you want the world to know.

You just can't resist anymore.

Believe me, you’ve tried. You swore after your last relationship that you were done - it's just not worth it - but all attempts to cease and desist have proven futile. There’s no such thing as too much of this woman; you want her there when you’re happy, sad, tired, sick. You know practically all there is to know about her, and most of it is pretty great. Yep, it's official. You, my friend, are in love.

So proceed, get ideas on how to SAY I LOVE YOU