Humans need to give and receive affection. Falling in love meets our need for physical and emotional intimacy, bonding, and closeness with another person. It helps us avoid loneliness. Being in love also makes us feel accomplished.
We tend to fall for those who improve our status and happiness. The million-dollar question is no longer “What is love?” but “How do I know for sure it’s happening to me?” Am I falling or forcing feelings that seem close to romance?
When Cupid’s arrow strikes, falling in love often feels out of our control. New research reveals that this experience follows distinct emotional phases.
Over 87% of people described it as “butterflies in their stomachs” and “slowed down time.” However, falling in love includes 5 stages connected.
So, whether you’re wondering if it’s real love, this guide will help you with the stages of falling into love psychology clues.
How Do You Know When You’re Falling in Love? — Main Signs
Falling in love includes some activity with the person, accompanied by an uncontrollable need to have them in every part of your life.
The symptoms can be thrilling, overwhelming, and even troublesome for productivity. It transforms into a passionate obsession if you cannot notice it in time and analyze the behavior.
- You can’t stop thinking about the person. One of the most common early signs is when you can’t get the person out of your head. You think about them constantly, even when you are apart. Everything reminds you of them.
- You prioritize the person. You always make time to talk to or see them, even if it means adjusting your schedule. Your interests or plans often become less important.
- You miss their presence. You are waiting for too long (it seems like ages) to see them again soon, and there’s a sense of excitement anticipating your next meeting that wasn’t there before.
- You communicate more often. You strike up conversations or text them to share minor details of your day. The desire emerges to involve them in some aspects of your routine.
- You feel euphoria. When you’re together, you feel energetic and can’t stop smiling. Life holds more meaning when they are beside you.
What are the Stages of Falling in Love?
We always consider falling in love something that happens, especially when talking about Slavic women. However, psychologists claim there are some standard stages that people experience before relationships turn into something serious. Let’s see in detail all of the phases we go through.
Infatuation
For example, the initial stage starts with physical and emotional attraction to beautiful Slavic women. There is a rush of euphoria; it can even remind you of an obsession.
People usually see their new love interest through so-called rose-colored lenses. The person’s idealization contributes to the dreamlike state.
Of course, there are some chemical reactions. The flood of pleasure develops neurochemicals and hormones like dopamine, norepinephrine, and oxytocin. The effect is similar to being on a drug due to the activity in the same part of the brain.
Bonding
In the second stage, you enter a bonding phase as you learn more details about each other. This is something more than just physical chemistry.
Since your comfort level increases, you start sharing secrets, expressing emotions as they are, and revealing vulnerabilities.
Bonding involves clarifying interests, priorities, sense of humor, communication styles, and morals that build relationships. You also experience arguments during this period, but working on conflicts helps strengthen bonds.
Comfortability
So, this is a time when things become more stable and settled. You already know each other’s habits and have emotional security in your partner’s faithful commitment to the relationship.
You must be now wholly comfortable being yourself. Love now is about caring for your partner’s needs and well-being.
Commitment
Maintaining romantic intimacy is what matters here the most. It’s common for Slavic wives to talk about officially becoming men’s girlfriends.
You most likely ask yourself questions like: Do we both see long-term potential? Are we on the same page about our relationships and plans? Probably you also talk more about how you see your life together for the years ahead.
Intimacy
The final stage is when you hold nothing back, fully revealing your dreams, fears, and all without judgment. This is total transparency.
You love the person for who they are, not who you want them to be with their imperfections. You realize and appreciate the precious things you’ve built together. While emotional intimacy is center stage, physical closeness also develops.
How Long Does it Take to Fall in Love?
There’s no definitive timeline for falling in love, as it’s different for every person and relationship. However, the average time can still be defined.
The infatuation phase can happen quickly, usually in weeks or months. More profound attachment sets in around 3-6 months for most couples.
As the infatuation phase cools down, a deeper bond can form after genuinely getting to know one another’s character. By 6 months, most know whether they are heading towards love.
Each of us wonders how soon to say I love you too soon. Confessing “I love you” happens between 6-12 months. One study found that men take around 88 days to tell a partner they love them, and women take an average of 134 days.
The gap likely depends on females’ desire for a more profound commitment. Overall, falling in authentic long-term relationships happens over 1-2 years.
While chemistry comes and goes, real love often requires time and effort to make it work. Patience allows you to have an intimate and vulnerable connection, and then your excitement about the initial stages can be something more to fight for.
