But time passes, and everything becomes smoother, more familiar. And now you are asking yourself: is this love? Or just attachment, habit, fear of being alone?

It is not easy to figure it out, because passion, attachment, and true love can look very similar at first. But there are subtle but important differences between them. Chemistry is an impulse. A lightning-fast reaction of the body and brain to another person. It can occur even with someone who is completely unsuitable for you in life. This is biology, these are hormones. They are important, but they do not always lead where it is worth going.

Habit is formed over time. You know how he drinks coffee, what words he says before going to bed. You are comfortable together. Sometimes - too comfortable. So much so that even if there are no feelings anymore, you stay. Because it's familiar. Because it's scary to change anything. Because everything seems to be fine, but somewhere deep inside there is emptiness.

And love? It grows. It can start with chemistry, it can be born from friendship. But the main thing is that it does not disappear when the hormones subside. It manifests itself in actions: in care, in respect, in the desire to be there not only in joy, but also in difficulty. Love is when you are both calm and interested with a person. When you can be yourself, and you are accepted. When you are together - not out of fear, but out of desire.

To understand what is between you - ask yourself simple questions. Are you happy with him or are you just afraid of loneliness? Are you growing in this relationship or are you losing yourself? Do you want to be with this person in ten years, even if he does not change?

The answers will not always be pleasant. But they are honest. And honesty is the first step to building a relationship that is not just habit or chemistry, but real, deep, adult love.