Remember in February when I had no idea what to buy the guy I just started dating for Valentine's Day? Well I've come a long way since then, and I think it's my duty to keep you from having to kiss one too many frogs before you're honestly happy, too.
I'm definitely no expert, but I've had a dozen failed relationships and as of recent, a truly happy one that makes me semi-qualified to impart my wisdom.
I wish I could be less cheesy but it turns out that's what love is. It's like the movies. Here are six cliches you're tired of hearing but are actually true:
1. You'll know when it happens
Everything in your body lets you know when you love someone and your gut tells you when you don't. If you're questioning your relationship or it seems too complicated, then it's likely not true love. Trust your body, heart and soul wholly.
2. Life becomes brighter/lighter
I'm sure there's a science to it, but it might feel like you're walking on a sparkly rainbow cloud when you're with this person or thinking of them. It's like you're breathing in and out a happiness that somehow makes you physically feel lighter.
3. A moment can take your breath away
This is simply the truth. Sometimes it's because you're so excited and sometime's it's because everything about the moment is perfectly beautiful.
4. You feel like the only 2 people in the room
I seriously never believed the whole "only eyes for each other" or "only two in the room" kind of stuff but it's true. You two can spend hours at the bar and never notice that the crowd has come and gone. You have so much fun being with this person that sometimes you get too caught up with him or her to notice anything else at all.
5. Butterflies
You'll feel the flutter, fireworks, magic, whatever you want to call it. You will feel something inside that makes you melt and smile.
BONUS: I once read a quote from Frida Kahlo that said, "take a lover who looks at you like maybe you are magic." You'll know if your person is feeling what you're feeling just by looking at them. Somehow the butterflies on the inside are visible on the outside, not sure how that science works either.
6. It doesn't feel forced
It just doesn't.
Love isn't always glamorous but it's not complicated and it doesn't hurt. If you aren't feeling the clichés then don't force it and don't waste your time on someone who doesn't seem to buy into them either. As Oscar Wilde said, "to love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance," and loving yourself has to happen before the love of someone else, right?
Hopefully is takes you less than a dozen frogs before you find any of these to be true.
