Love may be a beautiful thing. However, it can also be a little challenging to define, particularly in the realm of romance.
In our world, it is clear that there is a difference between loving someone and being in love with them.
What isn’t so clear to many is what that difference actually is. However, in a culture steeped in romance, it’s a good idea to make the distinction clear.
To understand the difference between loving someone and being in love with them, read on.
Being in Love vs. Loving Someone
Being in love and loving someone are two very different experiences, with being in love standing out as a particularly sensational feeling.
The technical term for being madly in love is “limerance.” Limerance is a feeling characterized by an immense euphoric sensation that cannot be compared to any other. Feelings of limerance include obsession with the person it is towards, changing things about one’s self to please that person, and a high level of jealousy when others get too close to that person.
Limerance can be a wonderful thing. Two single people can experience this feeling towards each other, and that may be the open door to marriage. However, it is a sensation that doesn’t last, it can be selfish, it can lead to heartbreak if it is unrequited, and it can even develop towards other people leading to affairs.
Being in love is different. While being in love is wanting a person, being in love is needing this person. And while that may sound the same, there is actually a huge level of selflessness that makes loving someone unique
Loving Someone Is Wanting Their Best
Being in love with someone is a high you don’t want to come found from. Loving them is a willingness to go on with them even without that sensation.
The euphoric sensation of being in love is one that you will eventually come down from. But if you actually love a person, you will think about them and stick by them without that sensation. While there will be times you may not want this person as bad as you did firing limerance, you will know deep down you need them and be faithful even without that feeling.
Being in love is wanting that person for yourself. Loving that person is wanting their very best even if it is at a cost to you.
Being in love is great, and a truly deep relationship should have moments of euphoria such as those that come with falling in love in the first place. But actually loving that person, not just your feelings, is what will really make a relationship last.
More on Love & Relationships
Now you understand the difference between being in love with someone and actually loving. Both are necessary for any romance to last. But it’s actually selflessly loving your significant other that will keep your relationship thriving.
For more romantic advice, visit our Love & Relationship section.
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