Life
Here's How Singles Know They're Falling In Love
One of the best parts of being in a relationship is getting to experience the whirlwind of emotions that come with falling in love. There's nothing else like it. It's those moments, especially in the beginning, when you're completely crazy about someone. The tiniest things make you smile and just being around them makes you ridiculously happy. But most importantly, the more you get to know them and integrate them into your day-to-day routine, the more you realize you don't ever want to see them go. At least, that's just my general experience with it. So how do singles know they're falling in love in 2017?
Match just released their seventh annual Singles in America survey, which delved deep into the dating habits of over 5,000 singles ages 18-70+ across the United States. From new dating rituals to feminism and its affects on the dating scene today, the Match survey has pretty much everything you need to know about single's attitudes on love, sex, and relationships, and especially how technology has affected it all.
When it comes to falling in love, there are many tell-tale signs you're probably already aware of like thinking about your partner all the time to finding their little quirks super endearing, but there's more. "Falling for a partner and falling in love with a partner are two different things," Dr. Jenn Mann, author of The Relationship Fix, tells Bustle. "The myth is that love is all about attraction, fun, and sex. But being in love is more complex and mature than all of that. Those things are only a small part of the big love picture."
According to Dr. Jenn, real love occurs when we get past the honeymoon stage which usually lasts between six to 18 months. But how do we know? Here are the ways singles know they're falling in love, according to Match's comprehensive survey:
1They'll Care You When You're Sick
According to 87 percent of singles, they know they're falling in love when they care for their partner when they're sick. Nothing says true love than being there for someone when they're at their worst.
2They'll Attend A Family Event With you
For 83 percent of singles, taking their S.O. to a family gathering meant they were falling in love. It's a definite indicator that you want this person to be a part of your life.
3They'll Mention You To Their Friends
Personally, I'm a sharer so I tend to mention anyone I'm dating to my friends regardless of how into them I am or not. But for 82 percent of people, mentioning someone to their friends is a sign that they're falling in love with them.
4They'll Go On A Vacation With You
Studies have found that traveling together as a couple can make your relationship stronger. But it isn't always smooth sailing. So you must have to really, really like the person if you're willing to experience potential mishaps traveling as a couple might bring you. Nonetheless, it's always a great experience when you do. According to 79 percent of people, vacationing with a partner means they're falling in love.
5They'll Mention You To Their Parents
Ah, the 'rents. Now you know things are getting serious. According to 76 percent of singles, they know they're falling in love when they mention their S.O. to their parents.
As you can see, falling in love is different for everyone. Sometimes it takes nursing them back to good health to make you realize you're serious about them. Sometimes it takes telling your mom. But it is important to note that many people see themselves falling in love when they really start to incorporate their partner into their life. "It's also handling negative emotions as well as positive ones," she says. "It's vulnerable. It's scary! Real love is handing your partner your heart on a silver platter but trusting that they will not crush it. It is being willing to take the risk even if you are not sure. It is putting time and energy into creating, strengthening and nurturing the connection between the two of you."
So while sharing a Netflix password with your partner may signify things are going to the next level, as it turns out singles today are a little more old school about falling in love.
