7 Signs That You're In Love!

Dear Advice Girl,

How do you know when you're in love?

Signed,
   Hayley

Dear Hayley,

It depends on your definition of love. If you think love is all about feeling warm and giggly around someone, well, you'll know you're in love when you hear giggles.

But those things are also signs of a crush. Love is much deeper and longer-lasting than that.

Which is why I've compiled Advice Girl's 7 Official Signs That You're In Love (and It's Not Just a Crush). If 5 or more are true for you, I'd say it's the real thing:

1. When they're sad, you're sad. When they're stuck in bed with the flu, your first thought isn't, "Dammit, we had plans tonight!" It's, "Aw, poor baby. Let mama bring you some noodle soup."
   
   
2. Their less-than-perfect qualities don't bug you. You'll know it's love when you think their love handles are super cute.
   
   
3. You're over your ex. If you're not, then you can't give your whole heart to your new sweetie.
   
   
4. You really, truly don't want to kiss anyone else. You might think other people are cute, and you might even get some mini-crushes now and then. But actually following through and kissing them? Blech.
   
   
5. You actually like hanging out with their friends. If it's just a crush, you'll be jealous and will try to compete with them for your sweetie's attention. But if it's love, you'll like being with them - 'cause they're part of his life.
   
   
6. You can trust them. A big part of love is respect. If you respect them, you won't feel the need to check their cell phone or drill them about what they're doing all the time.
   
   
7. You can forgive them. When they screw up, you might be angry for a while, but in the long run it's okay. 'Cause you know that they'd forgive you, too.
   
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