47 Sweet Signs You’re Falling in Love & Slowly Moving Past the Like Stage

The early stages of a relationship can be a rocky ride of emotions. But, how do you know it’s the real deal? Check out these signs you’re falling in love. 

Love is an addiction and its potency can be compared with any addictive substance in the world. Just like how we first start to fall prey to an addiction, it’s always hard to predict where it all begins. So what are the signs of falling in love and how do you know it’s real?

Starting a new relationship is great. You go on lots of exciting dates, you have first kisses, first sleepovers, you get wined and dined, and meet their friends. It’s all nerves, tension, flirting, and fun.

But when do you move from just dating someone to something more serious? When do you know that this person is actually more meaningful to you? When do you know that you are falling for them and that love is in the air?

The signs of falling in love is different for everyone, and there is no set of exact feelings that you will have that definitely mean you are in love. Only you know how you feel. However, with that said, there are a few things that most people experience when they start to fall in love with someone. [Read: 30 must-follow relationship rules for happy love]

How love affects the brain

Whether we like it or not, our mind is programmed to fall in love. We can’t help ourselves or predict the circumstances that lead us to fall in love with someone; we just do! And if you’ve just started to like someone, how can you tell you’re falling for them?

Where do you draw the line between a little crush and deeply imprinted love? Love arm-twists us into risking everything.

When you fall in love with someone, the part of your brain that makes judgments for you shuts off each time you see them or think of them. [Read: 22 new relationships tips and advice to avoid the common mistakes new lovers make]

At the same time, the part that controls fear also shuts off, which makes you reckless each time your new love comes within your eyeshot or runs circles in your mind. This is precisely what makes falling in love so scary; you can never be sure if it’s love or just infatuation.

The signs of falling in love to watch out for

Predicting love isn’t possible, but deciphering the feeling you feel and understanding if it’s love is something we can do.

Have you just met someone you really like? Do you feel like there are butterflies in your stomach? Have you lost your appetite and can’t sleep?

Well, you may just be falling in love.

Use these signs of falling in love to decode that happy high you’re feeling and find out if you’re truly falling in love with someone right now. [Read: How soon is too soon to say ‘I love you’ and why it sucks to say it too early]

1. You’re thinking of them right now

Every time you think of love or remember the feeling you’re experiencing, this person comes to your mind. It’s involuntary and you just can’t help yourself.

If you can’t help yourself from thinking about them, this is one of the concrete signs of falling in love. It feels like second nature when you think about them, as if your thoughts can’t help but gravitate towards them.

2. Their voice brings a smile

Every time this person calls you, their voice puts a smile on your face. You can’t hold your smile back no matter how hard you try. And their voice sounds so beautiful to your ears!

You’re obviously smitten if this is the case. In fact, even the sound of their laugh feels like music to your ears.

3. The long goodbyes

You just can’t bring yourself to say goodbye to them. You want to stretch the goodbye for as long as you can. And even when you finally do leave, it’s only with a sad heart that’s racing with passion.

Whenever you’re together, you feel as if the time speeds by and you try your best to stretch time to avoid saying the inevitable goodbye. Don’t worry, you’re not clingy – you’re probably just in love with them! [Read: How to tell a special someone that you’re in love with them]

4. Teasing games

Both of you tease each other a lot, and it’s so much fun. You start behaving childishly around this special guy or girl, and you don’t care what others think about your antics.

They say that people who tease one another constantly are secretly in love. So if you make a habit of teasing one another, you might have lingering feelings for them already. It’s not just friendship – it’s something more. [Read: How to be a tease and really flirty moves to capture their attention]

5. You can’t get enough

You just can’t get enough of this person no matter how long you stay with them or how many hours you speak over the phone.

You’re addicted to this person and all you want to do is dream of staring at their face and gazing into their eyes all day and all night!

You anticipate the next moment you get to spend time with them, hear their voice, or basically do anything with them. One of the signs of falling in love is when you can’t get enough of their presence and time. You feel like you’re in a never-ending paradise whenever you’re with them.

6. Awkwardness

You feel awkward around your new sweetheart and you don’t know why. You feel nervous and shy, even though you’re comfortable around them and want to be with them. And the first few minutes of every new date feel scary and heart thumping and yet nice and wonderful at the same time.

It’s extremely normal to stutter and fidget when you’re around them because you want to act perfectly around them. You’re not weird – it happens to everyone in love! [Read: The perfect time to say ‘I love you’ for the first time]

7. You always want to hear from them

A good sign of falling in love is just how badly you want to hear from them. You read their texts over and over again or stare at their Facebook or Instagram profile all day. You almost feel like a stalker!

When you’re in love, you feel intoxicated by their presence and everything about them.

8. You’re floating on air

And this special person is the reason for all your happiness. You laugh at the silliest things, and you’re on a romantic high. You feel like nothing can wear you out or pull you down because you’re so truly happy in life.

People who are in love often smile to themselves or their phones like a complete idiot, all because they’re so happy. Love can make you feel like you’re on top of the world, and this is one of the signs of falling in love to watch out for. [Read: Secret to happiness – The uncomplicated guide for a happy life]

9. You change for them

Don’t worry, we don’t mean change in a bad and negative way. But when you’re in love with someone, you can’t help but change for them in the little ways.

You can change your lifestyle overnight for them. You can wake up early in the morning or stay up late at night just to meet them or talk to them. Maybe it’s doing your hair differently or dressing up in a new way, but you definitely change for them. [Read: 45 real signs he loves you even if he doesn’t say it out loud]

10. You woo them

You don’t mind making a scene or doing something really silly just to please your sweetheart. You’re not embarrassed by public displays of affection. In fact, you may even revel in it just to show off to the world that both of you are now together.

People in love do the silliest things in their relationship, and it’s because you’re in love! You don’t really care what anybody else thinks of you, as long as you’re happy. [Read: How to woo a girl and 23 secrets to sweep her off her feet]

11. You can see the love

You can feel your love each time you’re with your new partner. Your affections feel stronger and a lot more intense. Even if love is not something you can see with your own eyes, you can see it through your actions and behavior.

The love is evident when you’re around your partner, and it’s just one of the signs of falling in love you should watch for. [Read: The 22 real signs of true love in a relationship to know if what you feel is real]

12. The tight hugs

You want to hug this person tight, almost to the point where both of you can’t breathe. And yet, you want more! When you hug them, it feels like a safe space.

You’ve never felt safer and at home than when you’re wrapped around their arms, and that’s love right there. It might seem like such a simple gesture, but it means everything when you’re with the right person. [Read: Romantic hug vs friendly hug and how to feel the difference instantly]

13. Your patience grows

You’re extremely patient with your new boyfriend or girlfriend when they’re around you. You go out of your way to help them. And as long as they display their love for you, nothing they say or do annoys you.

Love is patient and love is kind – at least, that’s what they say. So if you’re more patient than usual, then maybe they’re bringing that side out of you. It’s not unusual that when we’re in love, we understand the other person more than we do for others. [Read: Love is patient love is kind – 14 rules to experience true love]

14. The little butterflies

You feel butterflies in your stomach when someone mentions their name or speaks about them. And you look for any excuse to start talking about this person with your friends. This is one of the most common signs of falling in love. [Read: 36 really sweet and cute things to say to your sweetheart]

15. You miss them

When they’re not with you, you miss them like crazy. You feel like you’ve lost a part of yourself and can’t feel whole again until they’re with you again.

It’s perfectly normal to miss them right away, even if you just recently saw them. You’re not crazy; you’re just in love! [Read: When you miss him – 23 mind tricks to stop missing the wrong guy]

16. The intoxicating smell

This is something that’s experienced more by women than men. Your new partner’s smell arouses you, whether it’s the smell of their skin or their sweat.

You just find them irresistible! This is why women are drawn to a guy’s scent, especially when it’s the subtle scent of a man they love.

17. They’re so interesting

Your new sweetheart can talk about anything at all, and you still find all their conversations interesting. You just want to know everything about them.

If you find your partner or date extremely interesting compared to other people, this could be one of the signs of falling in love.

18. You’re self-conscious

You want to look good for your lover. You feel really self-conscious and try on several clothes before you meet them because you want to look your best for them.

We’re generally more self-conscious when we’re in love, and it’s one of the obvious signs of falling in love.

It’s not necessarily a bad thing, either! It just means you try to look good harder when you’re in love compared to when you’re not. Maybe it’s shopping for new outfits or changing your hair, but you definitely go through some form of a makeover. [Read: How to build self-confidence – 16 ways to realize you’re worth it]

19. It’s not just physical

You do think they’re really attractive and sexy, but your affection for this person isn’t just skin deep. You actually like them for the person they are on the inside! You’re fond of them because of a combination of their inner and outer beauty, and that’s how you know it’s real.

If it was just purely infatuation or lust, then the entire foundation of your attraction for them is just the physical aspects. You wouldn’t be falling for their personality or mindset. [Read: The 23 types of relationships that can define your love life]

20. You feel better around them

When we’re in love, we tend to become a better version of ourselves. Whether it’s happier, more understanding, more driven, or more confident, all these simple changes are a reaction to being in love.

So if you feel like you’re a better version around your partner, this is one of the signs you’re falling in love. You no longer just like them, but you’re smitten deep-in-love with them!

21. You feel their emotions

One of the aspects that makes love so consuming is just how much we tend to feel the things our partner does. So if you’re wondering why you feel the pain and anxiety of your partner even from miles away, it’s because you’re in love with them.

Of course, the feelings of your partner are more intense if you’re an empath, but this is a given reaction when you love someone. Whether it’s the good or bad emotions, you feel each one as if it were your own. [Read: How to be more empathetic and 16 ways to make anyone feel more understood]

22. You’re glued to your phone

Whenever you’re apart, you’re more obsessed with your phone. Why? It’s because you’re waiting for a text from your partner!

You probably miss them so much that you’re anticipating their text, call, or any social media notification that they liked or commented on your posts.

23. You feel safe around them

One of the misconceptions about love is that it’s supposed to feel overwhelming and shouldn’t feel safe. Otherwise, it becomes dull and boring. This isn’t true at all.

When you love someone, you feel like you’re at home around them. The world is difficult enough but when you’re around them, everything feels peaceful and harmonious. [Read: How to know when you’re in love: 50 signs you can’t ignore]

24. You daydream

We’ve all daydreamed about riding into the sunset together with our crushes, right? However, your daydream becomes more frequent and intense with the person you love. Maybe you daydream about your future together or having the perfect date.

Whatever it is, you can’t seem to stop daydreaming about them. Daydreaming is one of the evident signs of falling in love you can’t escape.

25. You meet them halfway

We’re all naturally selfish by nature so the fact that you’re willing to meet them halfway speaks volumes about how much you love them. Compromise is always a big step in relationships so when spotting the signs of falling in love, observe how often you compromise for them.

Maybe it’s going to their place instead of the usual where they go to yours, or you meet in the middle for a date. These might not be a big deal for you, but it reflects that you’re falling in love with them! [Read: Selfless love and 18 ways it sets itself apart from selfish love]

26. You often think of them when you wake up

If, as soon as you wake up in the morning, you think of your new love interest *in a good way, of course*, then it is a solid indication that you might be falling in love with them.

This is particularly true if you think of them the last thing at night too. Someone being always on your mind is a sign that love is in the air.

27. The thought of losing them is terrible

Do you well up at the idea of losing them, even though it is unlikely to happen? If you think about breaking up and it’s devastating *or even imagining losing them when the two of you are old and grey*, this shows how deeply you care for them.

You now can’t imagine ever being without them, and know that they’ll always be by your side – this is truly a sign that love is in the air! [Read: How to stay in love forever with your lover]

28. You have a warm, fuzzy feeling when you look at them

The feeling you get when you are in love with someone is a kind of surge of positive emotion.

It makes you feel like you could burst with happiness, but at the same time, aware of how vulnerable you are. It’s kind of like having butterflies, but more complex and intense than this – if you feel it, you’ll know!

29. You feel like you “get” each other

Being in love is about truly knowing the other person, and letting them know you too. If you have let each other in, feel as though you could tell one another anything, and understand each other completely, then it shows what a deep and special connection the two of you have. [Read: Am I in love? 21 signs to decode that fuzzy feeling]

30. You would do anything to make them happy

Being in love with someone makes you feel very selfless. If you feel as though you would do anything to make the other person happy, then it probably means you are in love with them.

What’s more is that you also know just what it is that will bring a smile to their face, and so do your best to make that happen as often as possible!

31. You know their hopes and dreams

When you’re falling in love with someone, one of the signs is you want to know everything about them. You know what their aspirations are, from practical career ones, to their wildest fantasies.

You’re their biggest supporter and believe in them completely. You push each other on and try to help one another achieve as many of your dreams and goals as possible. [Read: Real soulmates – 20 signs you’ve met the love of your life]

32. You feel more emotional than usual

As we said before, being in love can make you feel vulnerable and can make you look at the world in a different way. In order to truly fall in love, you have to give yourself to that other person completely, and doing so can be quite scary.

Because of this, you are way more sensitive to your own feelings and theirs as well. They can make you cry with joy, but also with sadness much more easily than anyone else would be able to. [Read: Why we fall in love – a little science, a little fate]

33. You have little secrets

Love is all about sharing things with one another, and letting that person see sides of you that no one else does. Inevitably, you end up having little secrets that only the two of you share.

It doesn’t necessarily have to be big, “take this to the grave” type of secrets, but just little things such as the weird bedtime routine you have, or that you secretly find your boss really annoying.

There are just some things that you keep just for the two of you, that no one else is privy to, and that’s what makes your relationship so special.

34. You completely trust one another

You can’t really be in love without truly trusting that other person. While it might be nerve-racking to do so, love means you are able to put all your faith in that other person.

When times get tough, they will be there for you. You know if you have a big fight, it doesn’t mean you don’t care for one another or that you are going to break up.

There’s that feeling of being safe and solid, even when you aren’t getting along as well as you should! [Read: 22 real signs of true love to know if what you feel is real in a relationship]

35. You accept each other’s flaws

Being in love is about totally understanding and knowing the other person. Often when we first start out in a relationship, we only let that person see the good sides of us, and we keep the bad part of us hidden from view.

You can only truly love someone, and be loved, when you have shown one another all of your sides. Once you have accepted each other for who you truly are, then you can call it love.

36. They are your best friend as well as your lover

Being in love isn’t just about the physical side and the flirting. There is a great friendship underneath it all as well. Good friends depend on one another and support each other, but they also give each other space to grow and freedom to be an individual too. [Read: How to make a relationship last – 19 love commandments]

37. You want to touch and kiss them

Well, this may be seen as an obvious one. But it goes beyond just the physical attraction. When you touch and kiss someone, you release the “love hormone,” oxytocin, into your body. This makes the connection stronger between you and your partner.

38. Time flies when you’re together

When you’re spending time with this person, it just flies. You’re not checking your phone or wondering when the date will be over. Time is irrelevant to you when you’re with them, and it’s why it goes by so quickly. [Read: 12 signs to recognize true love when you feel it]

39. You can’t stop staring at them

If there’s one thing your eyes are on, it’s them. Why wouldn’t you want to stare at the person you love? When you’re staring at them, you’re looking for more from there. You’re looking to see if they’re in your future.

40. You’re not bothered when they do something unattractive

As humans, we can be pretty gross sometimes. But when you’re in love, you bypass all those unattractive traits your partner may have.

For example, chewing with their mouth open or biting their nails. The things that used to bother you, don’t anymore because you’re seeing the signs you’re falling in love. [Read: 23 facts about love that will definitely blow your mind]

41. You can see your future with them

Oh yes, you’re in love. You’ve been thinking about where you will live, what the wedding is going to look like, and how life will be with this person. Your mind is already way ahead of you in the possible future.

42. You’ve stopped doing some of your usual activities

You’ve dropped your usual activities to spend more time with this person. You crave them and feel that you need to spend time with them. You may skip your yoga class or un-enroll yourself out of the cooking course you wanted to take.

Now, do bear in mind that if you want this relationship to be successful, you need to have your own life too. Maintain your own hobbies and see your friends. Your relationship will be stronger for it. [Read: 18 tips to fall in love slowly like you’re in a fairytale]

43. You’re more optimistic than usual

You may see the glass half full, but you’re even more optimistic than usual. When you experience the signs you’re falling in love, your perspective of the world changes. You see things in a warmer light.

This is due to the dopamine hit your body receives when you’re thinking about this person or spending time with them. [Read: What is dopamine? The dopest pleasure pill inside of you]

44. They can do no wrong

Though no one is perfect, you have yet to see the imperfections in your partner. Don’t worry; you will with time. But when you’re falling in love, your view of them is a bit skewed, and your reality is only focusing on what it wants to see. [Read: How long does it really take to fall in love? The little things that count]

45. You’re not only concerned with your own happiness

Yes, you’re happy, but you aren’t only concerned about your happiness. You also want them to be happy, which is why it is one of the signs you’re falling in love. This is a mature version of love, as you’re now viewing your partner as your equal.

46. You’re willing to try new things

Before meeting them, you wouldn’t have tried certain activities or traveled to specific places. But now you’re willing to give new experiences a try because of your partner. You want to try new things with them. [Read: How to take control of your love life to find the love you want]

47. They’re the first person you talk to when something is happening in your life

When something big is happening in your life, who do you call? You call the person who means the most to you first. Maybe it’s your mom, dad, sibling, or your best friend. But now, the first person you call is them.

So, are you in love?

It’s not easy to figure out if what you’re feeling is just a fleeting moment of passion or true love, because both of them almost always feel the same way. But if you do experience these signs of falling in love, you may actually be falling in love and experiencing passion that’s beyond mere lustful obsession.

Falling in love with someone is the most beautiful and extraordinary thing you can feel. Love is also the purest emotion in this world, and it can never compare to short-term emotions like lust and infatuation. When you’re falling in love, you’ll feel it within your entire body. [Read: Am I really in love? – 21 signs to decode that fuzzy feeling!]

Now you know these 47 signs of falling in love, where do you find yourself? If you relate to all these signs, you must be in love! There’s no denying it any longer; it’s not just infatuation that you feel for them.