How long does it take to fall in love?

Every song we hear on the radio is about falling in love, and the feelings associated with it. Every movie we watch, we see how the fairytale ending goes, and we use that to compare how we are supposed to feel when falling in love in our lives. Yes, falling in love is the most beautiful wave and rush of feelings. But let's also do our due diligence of distinguishing between lust and love, and what it means to truly fall in love, other than what we see in the movies and hear on the radio.



So, how long does it really take to fall in love? This is the million dollar question. It's a question that has intrigued humanity for centuries, and the answer is not as simple as a specific number of days or weeks. We can’t calculate or intellectualize a concept that’s roots are magical. Science or math won’t solve this equation, sorry! Love, in its truest form, is a complex and multifaceted emotion that doesn't adhere to a set timeline or rules. So commonly is our society we are able to feel the illusion of control in so many aspects, whether that is career or safety or simply thinking we control the fate of our lives and future. Scary to admit, but however illusion you have given yourself, life is not in our hands. That is the good news! The unknown can be interpreted as everything is possible! Let’s leave some room for the mysteries of the universe to show us what they’ve got in store for us.

To understand how to know if you love someone and how to know if you're in love, we need to delve into the intricacies of this powerful emotion. Let’s break it down. We’ve all heard of the “honeymoon phase”, a stage of the beginning of a relationship where ALL you feel is that magic love feeling on steroids. Love often begins with a spark and an initial attraction, whether physical or emotional, that draws two people together. It's the butterflies in your stomach, the racing heart, and the endless daydreams about the person who has captured your attention. I know, this sounds like the fairytale that all love stories portray. But, this initial stage is commonly mistaken for love, but it's important to recognize that it may just be the beginning of a potential journey towards love. Lust and infatuation can often masquerade as love in the early stages of a relationship, and it's essential to differentiate between these intense feelings and the profound, lasting love that comes with time.



Genuine love may not begin as glamorous as a lust based relationship. Oftentimes, falling in love is not linear. Falling in love happens in all “shapes and sizes”. Maybe it’s smooth, maybe it’s with an old lover, maybe it’s a friendship evolved; the bottom line being is to approach love as a deep and profound connection that can take time to develop. It's not about the superficial aspects of a person, but rather the understanding, acceptance, and appreciation of their true self and vice versa. Throw that checklist out the window, it’s the feeling inside that holds true wisdom. It's about knowing their flaws and still cherishing them, understanding their dreams and supporting them, and sharing the ups and downs of life together. Marriage requires a vow, a vow that this union between individuals will not be perfect, but vowing that this is the person with whom you will accompany and stand by through the harshest of times, as well as the most beautiful and glorious of times. That is what falling in love, working to STAY in love, genuinely embodies.



When you're truly in love, it's not just about the euphoric highs and the passionate moments. It's about commitment, trust, and a sense of security that can only be built over time. Love is about weathering the storms of life together, leaning on each other for support, and growing as individuals within the context of a loving partnership. To know if you love someone, consider the time you've spent together. Has it been long enough to truly know and understand each other, including your quirks and idiosyncrasies? Do you trust and respect one another? Do you feel a sense of security in the relationship, or is it solely based on passion and infatuation?



Falling in love is not a sprint; it's a marathon. It's a journey filled with shared experiences, both good and bad, that gradually build a strong and enduring connection. It's about being there for each other, even when the initial excitement has faded. So, in the end, how long it takes to fall in love is a question with no definitive answer. It varies for each person and each relationship. Some may experience it quickly, while others may take longer to reach that profound level of love. The key is to be patient and allow love to develop naturally, rather than rushing to label your feelings. In the words of the famous author Victor Hugo, "Life is a flower of which love is the honey." Let love bloom at its own pace, and when it does, you'll know it's the real thing. Remain connected to your intuition - it will never lead you astray.