Hauser says that true love is simply love in a higher form, regardless of the relationship (romantic, between parent and child, or between friends and family members). Sterling says, some romantic relationships fall out of love because they’re no longer engaging in those behaviors they did in the beginning that caused them to fall in love.

If you’re performing them, you are loving. “It becomes the acts of love that you engage in. “Love begins as an emotion and, over time, it grows into a verb,” she explains. “It is long-lasting as well as a fresh feeling.”ĭarcy Sterling, PhD, a licensed clinical social worker based in New York City, echoes this notion of ever-evolving love. “It is both constant and changing,” she says. Hauser tells DailyOM that true love in the romantic sense is complicated. This feeling stands out from the connections you have with other people.ĭr. In romantic relationships, where you’ll most often hear the term “true love” used, it can be defined as “the combination of emotional, physical, and sexual connection” coupled with a consistent liking and fondness, says Juliana Hauser, PhD, a licensed marriage and family therapist and licensed professional counselor. Defining True Love Between Romantic PartnersĪccording to experts, the definition of true love differs depending on the relationship. What does “true love” actually mean? And how do you know if you have it? To answer these questions and more, DailyOM talked to relationship experts to better understand this hard-to-define concept. Though love is powerful in many different forms, here DailyOM explores true love as it pertains to romantic partnerships.

There are many forms of love: romantic love, transformative love between a parent and a child, the strong connection between friends or family members, and, for many people, the uncomplicated bond they have with their beloved pets. Sure, “true love” sounds great, but what does it really mean? DailyOM talked with experts to better understand the concept and what it entails, and what true love looks like between romantic partners.

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