Written by Tarnia Riggs
Founder, All Eyes on Me
Sometimes, we develop a special fondness for the person we’re dating. We can’t stop thinking about them, even after many hours in their company. We may feel excited, uncertain or a little nervous, and find ourselves asking: have I fallen in love?
Love can be a wonderful thing, but understanding our feelings is not always easy. A strong attraction or deep infatuation can feel like love, especially in the early days.
So how do we recognise love? Here are seven signs to reflect on. Every relationship is different, and love should leave room for both people to be themselves.
At the beginning of the day, you find yourself wondering what they’re doing and what might make them smile. When something good happens, you want to share it with them — whether it’s a funny story or a moment of triumph.
You enjoy being together, even during ordinary moments such as watching television. When you’re apart, you can look forward to seeing each other while still enjoying your own day.
You consider what would be good for the other person as well as what would be good for you. You want to care for them, support them and see them happy.
Caring for someone does not mean harming yourself, giving up your boundaries or being untrue to who you are. Neither person should have to make sacrifices simply to prove their love.
You start to wonder what a shared future might look like, and you enjoy that thought. Spending your lives together feels like a possibility you would choose, rather than an obligation or a feeling of being stuck.
You may notice other attractive people, but you choose to invest in the relationship you share. That commitment grows through care, honesty and the decisions you make together.
The first rush of attraction can change over time. Love can continue through affection, shared experiences and the effort you both make to keep your connection alive.
There is no fixed timetable for love. What matters is how you care for the relationship as it grows.
Even when you disagree, you want to understand the other person. You communicate openly, listen and try not to judge each other harshly.
You accept that neither of you is perfect, while remaining honest about your needs and boundaries. Love does not require you to accept hurtful behaviour.
You respect and admire the other person, and trust develops through their actions over time. That care is mutual: you both feel valued, heard and free to be yourselves.
Originally published on the original All Eyes on Me website. Recreated and refreshed in October 2026.