Is there any better feeling than falling in love? It’s hard to beat! When you fall in love, it affects you both physically and psychologically. It actually affects your brain chemistry, which explains why we feel our partners can do no wrong in the early stages of a relationship. (i.e., the honeymoon phase.) You’re constantly thinking about them, missing them when they’re away, and would do anything to make them happy.
So, what are the different stages of falling in love? Here’s a look at all four:
1. Realization
The aha moment! Whether you’re falling for a friend or someone you’re dating, you realize that it’s happening. Your feelings grow stronger, and it’s impossible to stop. If you realize what’s going on, the best thing you can do is tell the person how you feel! (Easier said than done, we know.) It can be daunting to reveal your love for someone, but it’s necessary to determine whether or not you’re both on the same page.
2. Preoccupation
This is when you feel like your brain can’t think about anything else but the person you’re falling for. You’re completely infatuated and constantly wondering what they’re up to and if they’re thinking about you, too. You daydream about them, replay conversations over again in your mind, and think about what you’ll do when you’re together again. Since this phase is pretty time-consuming, you might want to neglect other responsibilities—try not to!
3. Idolization
In this stage, you look at your partner like a work of art. They’re perfect and can do no wrong! Every joke they tell is hilarious, they always look attractive, and you’re constantly hanging on their every word. People around you might start using the word “obsessed” after how much you talk about them. Think of this as the “lovey-dovey” phase of falling in love.
4. Awkwardness/Insecurity
Wait, you feel awkward and insecure when you fall in love? Yep! During the idolization phase, you may start to feel embarrassed or awkward about your true feelings for your partner, which leads to other forms of insecurity. You may begin to overthink everything and second-guess your words and actions whenever they’re around. Why? You want them to see you at your best! You’re falling hard, and that can be scary. (In a good way!) Eventually, this will wear off, and you’ll begin to feel more comfortable—especially when you find out they feel the same way.
While moving through these stages of falling in love might come naturally to some, it doesn’t for others—and that’s okay! Falling in love is an incredible experience, but also a learning one. You’ll figure it out as you go and before you know it, you’ll be happily in love.
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