You'll likely fall in love if you both like the person and feel lust for them. According to research, these are the two most common indicators of being "in love."
Understanding the Predictors of Falling in Love
Researchers have identified key feelings that often accompany falling in love. Here's a breakdown:
- Liking the Person: This involves enjoying their company, valuing their personality, and appreciating them as an individual. It's the foundation of a deeper connection.
- Feeling Lust: This refers to a strong sexual desire or attraction toward the other person. It's a powerful physical component of falling in love.
Research Findings on Love Indicators
A study highlighted that these two factors are highly predictive of being "in love," not just experiencing general affection for someone.
“The researchers found that the two most common predictors of being 'in love' are liking the person and feeling lust for them,” he says. “They found that 86% of the time, if both of those things were in place, people were in love,” and not just feeling more general love for the person.24-Jun-2022
Practical Insights
Here's how to identify these feelings:
- Self-Reflection: Take time to consider your emotions towards the person. Ask yourself:
- Do I genuinely enjoy spending time with them?
- Do I appreciate their character?
- Do I feel sexually attracted to them?
- Observe Interactions: Notice how you behave and feel when you are around them.
- Do you feel excited and happy?
- Do you feel a strong desire to be close to them?
Summary
If you experience both strong liking and lust for someone, there's an 86% chance you are falling in love. Keep in mind that emotions are complex, and these indicators aren't absolute. Love can manifest differently for each individual.
