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Is it Love or Lust?
How to Know if Your Love is Real

In a lifetime, the average person falls in love at least four times. But is it really love? Here are the communication, love, and respect signs to be aware of before you decide if the one you're dating is the right one for you:

I. Communication
Being honest with each other in a relationship is very important and it is also important that you get to know the person properly before you commit yourself. How well do you know each other? Is the only talking you do bedroom talk?

Good Signs:

» You talk openly about life issues such as finances, children, things that frighten you, and each other's ambitions in life.

» You can argue and come to some sort of compromise at the end of it.

» You are open and honest with each other about your feelings.

Warning Signs:

» You only know his favorite color and what paper he reads. You are afraid to ask him in-depth questions about his life for fear of rejection or for fear of what you might find out.

» You don’t discuss how you are feeling with each other and the frustration builds up in each of you, often causing you to resent each other.

» Neither of you is willing to forgive the other.

II. Love
A long lasting relationship/marriage can rarely survive without love. So is it love or are you just kidding yourself?

Good Signs:

» In a crisis you stand by each other no matter what the result.

» You make sacrifices to make the other person happy.

» You are truthful and honest and don’t keep secrets from one another.

» You are emotionally, physically, and mentally compatible.

» You are friends as well as lovers.

Warning Signs:

» When the going gets tough, your partner gets going.

» Your partner has an eye for members of the opposite sex and has proved to be untrustworthy.

» Your partner lies to you about where he/she has been and only confesses when you find out the truth.

» There is little physical affection, laughter, or communication between the two of you.

» Your has been unfaithful on numerous occasions.

III. Respect
A relationship is about friendship, respect, and acceptance of one another. When there is lack of respect for the other trust and respect is replaced by suspicion and can slowly grow to hatred.

Good Signs:

» You are aware of your partner’s faults and are able to accept some imperfections.

» You support and encourage each other’s individual interests and identity.

» You take the time to listen and understand the other’s point opinion.

Warning Signs:

» You criticize each other in front of others.

» Your partner will not give you space to indulge in your interests and wants to spend every minute of the day with you.

» You are constantly struggling to live up to your partner's standards or the person you think your partner wants you to be.

» You can’t forgive and/or forget each other’s mistakes.

Be aware and objective about your relationship. If you can't nurture it, then it may be time to leave. If it's strong, then building upon mutual love, respect, and communication will only make it stronger.

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