Is your partner madly in love with you? Here’s how to tell

Ask anyone how they know they’re in love and they’ll tell you something like, “I just know!” If you’ve been in love before (or you’re in love now), you understand the vagueness of this response. Falling in love is both more simple and more complicated than we may realize. Sometimes, we confuse companionate love with romantic love. Sometimes we worry that we’re confusing lust vs love. If you’re wondering how to tell if your partner is madly in love with you, you’re not alone. The bad news is that no one can answer that question for you. Thankfully, this guide can provide some insight. Read on to find out more about the signs of passionate love.

What does it mean to be madly in love?

Okay, first thing’s first: what does it mean to be madly in love? The relationship experts refer to this sensation as limerance, and from their perspective, it’s not always a good thing.

Limerence is an obsessive type of love. If someone feels limerence for someone else, they may go to desperate lengths to attain that person’s affection. This can include serious jealous behaviors, personality shifts, and more.

Is there a less unhealthy version of being madly in love? We would argue that the answer is yes and that it’s more about euphoria and devotion than obsessive behaviors.

Signs that your partner is madly in love with you

How can you tell if your partner is madly in love with you in that healthy sort of way? There are a few signs (and a few key distinctions to make about them).

First, does your partner seem attentive? Do they look at you during conversations, retain what you say, and show a vested interest in your life? We all get a little distracted from time to time, but someone who is madly in love will put down the phone and focus on you during quality time.

Second, do they talk about the future in terms of “us?” This is a good sign, but there is an important caveat: follow-through. It’s one thing if your partner talks about “us” and you see those plans materialize or promises kept; it’s another if they’re saying pretty words without any real commitment.

Finally, are they proud of you and proud to call you their partner? Do they go out of their way to introduce you to friends, family members, and colleagues? If your partner wants to include you in their broader life and support your interests and endeavors, they’re likely madly in love.

Don’t settle for less than true love

When you’re making your life with a partner, you want it to be a committed and healthy one. Be cautious when you see signs of limerence but don’t settle for someone who doesn’t cherish you. Look for a partner who is madly in love with you (and that you feel the same about).

Do you worry that your relationship is getting in the way of your dreams? You deserve genuine, true love.