That lovin' feeling
They're on your mind 24/7, they're all you can talk about, everything they say is deeply, deeply fascinating to you, and their mere presence gives you butterflies. But is it the real thing?
Factoid In the Beatles classic 'All You Need is Love', the word 'love' features 38 times The Beatles Anthology, 1995
Tell-tale love signs
Checking their horoscope before you've checked yours? Wearing stuff that you know they like? Spending all your monthly minutes on the phone to them? An overall feeling that you'd do anything for this person and kill anyone that laid a finger on them is a pretty good indication that this could be a bona fide love-thing.
How is it for them?
Some people would rather drop hot wax on their private parts than say how they're feeling but you can spot the signs of someone in love. They're really polite to your parents and laugh at your dad's lame jokes. They even let you drag them around doing things they have no interest in without moaning. Of course, the most obvious sign is if they say 'I love you'. Or if you tell them you do and they say it back. Aaahh.
What's next?
OK, telling them you love them is a big step but if you're sure about your feelings, why not express them? Go on, share the love. But don't feel pressured into having sex before you're ready. If they love you they won't mind what your boundaries are. And remember: don't go dropping your mates. In the end, love doesn't always last forever.
Written by Kevin Darling
Last updated June 2007
Further help and advice
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Lucy, 14
I think I do believe in love, but I don't think I could ever imagine myself in love. I don't think I could love someone so much as to stay with them for 20 years. And I do think people say I love you and don't really mean it, so you think it's not as important and you don't know when they mean it and it's real.
brii, 16
i think that love have a diff meaning to diff people.
Genevive, 16
a good page, but i dont think anyone can justify what love really is.
sonya , 19
when you fell loved you feel special x
Cescie, 15
I'm really strong about saying i'm in love with someone. I don't think i could say it without meaning until i'm around 25 at least, possibly earlier. I don't like how people can toss around 'i'm in love with someone' so loosely, especially people that say it because they've been together 3 months or something ridiculous.. Think of it on a bigger scale, maybe 20 years down the line you can say that, not after 2 weeks. Maybe you could have strong feelings for someone, and think you are, but i reckon you'll look back and see it as a teenage fling. :)
sarah, 17
thanks, your page isnt like normal page, its written so down to earth, not trying to talk you out of thing, just giving the facts. thanks xx
Rachel Inland, 16
I thought this bit about being in love was rubbish. People an say they love you all the time and not mean it. You always have the gushy stuff when you start going out wiv someone but itonly last for a short time. My mum and dad have been together for about 20 years and gone through some hard stuff. I know they love each other. Love isn't about feelings all the time, it's about committment, being faithful and not just moving on when the butterflies in the stomach arn't there as much.
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