How often you think of him counts. If you find yourself only thinking of him in passing, then it's mostly just a crush. But if he's on your mind 24/7 and you just can't stop thinking about him, that's another thing.
If you think about the person often, want to spend time with them, frequently wonder how they're doing, and are interested in knowing all of the details about this person and their life, it's likely a crush. If you're wondering how to know if you like someone, ask yourself if these things are true for you.
First, you have to ask yourself a question.
She says, "Do a gauge with yourself. On a scale of one to 10, how different would you feel if that person was suddenly not in your life?" She encourages us to "really imagine them not being there." Then, ask yourself, "Does it feel almost the same as them being there?"
Confusion about love is incredibly common, whether you're heartsick over a potential partner or just unsure about how to express your feelings. If you're experiencing uncertainty when it comes to love and romance, one of the most effective solutions is to try to reflect on your own feelings, wants, and desires.
Make eye contact when you're talking to them, or hold their gaze for a couple of extra seconds when your eyes meet in the hallway. You could playfully tease them, or send a flirty text after school to let them know you're thinking about them.
You Can Feel It
This one is probably a no-brainer; when someone is attracted to you, they want to touch you. Touch releases the bonding hormone oxytocin. So, it is an instinctive way of trying to strengthen your connection. However, not all touches mean the same thing.
Emophilia is defined by a tendency to fall in love quickly and often, which is associated with rapid romantic involvement. However, questions linger as to how it is different from anxious attachment, which also predicts rapid romantic involvement.
If you only have eyes for one person, constantly think about them or want to spend more and more time together, those are some pretty big signals that you are developing some romantic feelings. Don't try to ignore them but embrace them and enjoy the journey.
Infatuation is often a fantasy-based, passionate longing for someone else. It can prevent you from acknowledging their weaknesses, and may even land you in an unhealthy situation. Love is often based in reality and is fed on closeness and knowledge of the other person.
New love stirs up past hurts.
The ways we were hurt in previous relationships, starting from our childhood, have a strong influence on how we perceive the people we get close to as well as how we act in our romantic relationships. Old, negative dynamics may make us wary of opening ourselves up to someone new.
But if you want your relationship to involve physical intimacy and affection, your feelings are romantic. If you don't want that, but you want a close friendship, your feelings are platonic.
But we can also feel sexual attraction towards people we don't love (e.g., celebrities, random bartenders). The key difference is in their goals. Whereas sexual attraction's end goal is sex, love is oriented towards maintaining a relationship, to keeping a strong connection defined by closeness and shared lives.
You know you're falling in love when your someone begins to take up major real estate in your thoughts. You might find yourself rehashing your conversations in the middle of work, thinking about your next date days in advance, or even envisioning your future together.
What is philophobia? People who have philophobia have a fear of love. This fear is so intense that they find it difficult, sometimes impossible, to form and maintain loving relationships. “Philos” is the Greek word for loving or beloved. “Phobos” (phobia) is the Greek word for fear.
“Falling in love too quickly could mean you're becoming infatuated with the person and putting them up on a pedestal,” says Ziskind. Infatuation is often based on an idealized version of the other person, not who they really are. You may also be in love with love, which can feel quite exciting and pleasant.
The same interests and values may also be a powerful way people are drawn to someone. When two people have similar hobbies, goals, or beliefs, it might create a sense of connection and compatibility. Emotional connection is another reason why people may feel drawn to each other.
Instead of confessing your feelings right away, consider giving smaller hints to him. Start by touching his hand when you're talking or giving him compliments when you see him. Suggest that you should hang out together outside of class and do more romantic things, like seeing movies or going to lunch together.
Signs of infatuation
See the person you like as being perfect. Want to spend all your time with them. Fall for them super quickly. Find that they occupy your thoughts constantly.