Are lust and love diametrically opposed? Is it possible to have both feelings? What is their description? On the one hand, lust might be described simply as a strong desire or attraction. It is a strong physical attraction to someone. Love, on the other hand, is characterized as something more genuine: it entails concern, respect, commitment, and growth. Love is patient, gentle, and healing, making it more difficult than lust.
LOVE VS LUST: DOES ONE MATTER MORE THAN THE OTHER?
When it comes to partnerships, it is common for lust to lead to true love. Nonetheless, no one can control the sequence of these emotions. Whatever matters most, the good news is that love and lust can coexist.
When you’re in love with someone, you share passionate moments, which might be the highlights of your relationship. That deep and emotional connection is what keeps your relationship alive and well. Let us examine the similarities and contrasts between love and lust.
LOVE AND LUST – THE THIN LINE IN BETWEEN
Both love and lust can be strong, passionate, and exciting. But the difference is that only some share real love while most people mistake lust for love. Though lust is superficial, the feeling is strong, and it even has the potential to transform into love.
LUST VS LOVE: THE LITERAL DIFFERENCES
So, what exactly is love? Love, according to Dr. Henry, includes lust. Love is also more emotional and based on genuine concern for the other person, whereas lust is based on physical or sexual attraction. The popular idea is that lust dissipates with time. However, lust and love, if not fostered, can wane over time.
LUST IS SELFISH. LOVE ISN’T
Love is unselfish because you want your spouse to be happy, content, and successful in life. However, passion makes you extremely selfish. You have a strong desire to meet your own demands. You’re simply fixated on the other individual.
LUST IS TEMPORARY. LOVE IS CONSISTENT.
Have you ever pondered why something that previously drew you to someone no longer does? Most likely, you were drawn to their personality. The sparks fade away with time. People who have this feeling are frequently saddened when their relationship fails. Love, on the other hand, entails numerous significant relationships. It makes you feel safe being vulnerable in their presence. Even in difficult circumstances, love endures.
LUST IS CHAOS. LOVE IS ACCEPTANCE.
In love you accept the other person as they are and build a relationship on trust; there is also compromise and sacrifice. While lust can at times run off the rails and create chaos in our lives.
THE 5 DIFFERENT SIGNS OF LOVE AND LUST
They both ignite the fire within you and you always crave for more. Love vs lust, here are some clear signs of lust and love that will help you recognize the difference.
1. YOU OFTEN GO ON REAL DATES
Dating is a crucial component of a love relationship since it brings two individuals together in an intimate way. Your date memories can be the highlight of your relationship. It’s something you’ll remember for a long time.
If the two of you are merely lust friends, there will be no attachment and you will never go on genuine dates. You don’t have an emotional connection. All you can think of are the exciting times you had in each other’s presence. And these are your sole memories of that person.
2. YOU CANNOT STOP THINKING OF THEIR LOOKS AND BELIEVE THEM TO BE PERFECT
Be aware that this is a purely lustful connection. You’re lured to their appearance, charisma, or monetary goods, and you frequently overlook their defects. You’re enchanted by their attractiveness and want to believe they’re the one for you. You’ve confused attraction with love.
When comparing desire with love, you will see that in love, you look beyond physical appearances. You admire their individuality. You don’t want perfection and are willing to accept your partner’s shortcomings.
3. YOU DON’T KNOW EACH OTHER WELL ENOUGH
Their middle name is mysterious, and they can go for days without communicating. Is it simple to forgive and forget about his/her flaws? When you two converse casually, it is an obvious indication of lust. You don’t spend meaningful time together and don’t make genuine personal investments in one another. You’re fine with maintaining a lot of secrets from each other. You just don’t care about each other.
However, achieving intimacy without intercourse is a sign of deep love.
4. YOU’VE MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS WITH YOUR PARTNER
You and your spouse are at ease with each other; you talk about your difficulties, hopes, dreams, and life in general. There are conflicts and jealousy, but you also rely on one another. Through good and bad times, there is devotion and friendship. Do you want your spouse to be able to see the best parts of you? When comparing love and lust, these are strong indicators of a meaningful love connection.
If you spend all of your time together having sex and don’t talk about your feelings (unless they are about sex), you can be sure it’s desire.
5. WHAT DOES THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE?
Couples discuss their future plans at some time in their relationship. Their social spheres converge. They even use the ‘L’ word to describe each other. Any of these seem unlikely? Then it’s only lust.
When you feel forced to get to know each other more, it indicates that you are genuinely interested in one another. You make an effort to introduce your new spouse to your family and friends. However, if something is holding you back, it indicates that the relationship is not serious. It’s most likely based solely on attraction.
7 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF TO FIND OUT WHAT YOU FEEL – LUST VS LOVE
Try to ask yourself the following question for a self-reflection test:
- Am I just looking for a commitment-free relationship?
- Has this started to feel more real than I signed up for?
- Am I ready to talk about what’s happening between us?
- Am I comfortable being my true self and sharing my personal details?
- Do I feel real chemistry to do things together?
- Do I want to introduce this person someday to my folks? Or do I want to bring him/her to my bed only?
- Do I fantasize about a future with him/her?
It is easy to distinguish between lust and love, isn’t it? When you have an answer to these key questions, you will be sure of your feelings.
LOVE IS A REAL CONNECTION AND EHARMONY YOUR GATEWAY TO A MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIP
To summarize, lust can give the appearance of love. However, love is not superior to lust, and the two emotions can coexist. Both are required for a good, intimate connection. When looking for a long-term serious relationship, self-exploration is the only method to discover your sentiments. When you’re ready for love, try eharmony; the platform’s matching algorithms are based on science and compatibility. You’ll be paired with someone who connects with you on all levels. Subscribe now for a fantastic dating experience!
