Love Changes In Time
It's a beautiful thought knowing that love is everchanging as we experience new things and grow with our partners. It transforms and shifts into something that fits what's right for both of you, and as you get older, it matures with you. If you want to know more about how love might change over time, here are 20 points to satisfy your curiosity.
1. You Realize Love Is Challenging
While we're constantly being fed ideas that love is effortless and easy thanks to movies and books, that isn't the case in real life. As you grow older and experience long-term relationships, you'll quickly realize love can be challenging - but in a good way! It's about give and take, putting in the effort, and learning to accept differences to be stronger together.
2. You Learn Love Is A Choice
Yes, while love is a feeling that we experience when we're in a relationship, you slowly understand what it means for it to be a choice as you age. Being with someone is an active decision you make every day; you choose to be with the person you love and you choose to do everything to make it work.
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3. Not Feeling Butterflies Is A Good Thing
We're often taught that feeling "butterflies in your stomach" is a sign of love, but really, it's a sign of nervousness. While you are attracted to this other person, you're not comfortable around them yet, causing you to feel shivers down your body. But the longer you're with someone, the more that feeling fades, which is a good thing! It's a sign of trust and comfort and the beautiful change of love over time.
4. Priorities Change
When you're young and in love, everything is about the other person and feeling things in the moment. But as you grow together, the priorities in the relationship change. Physical intimacy might change into comfort and reliability, and excitement might transform in steadiness and a feeling of home.
5. You Share New Goals
Relationships are constantly evolving and growing, and as the both of you get older, so do your goals. From planning a big trip together to looking to buy a place or get married, there's always going to be a "next big step" the two of you can focus on.
6. Passion and Excitement Fades
The first year of any new relationship is characterized by passion and excitement, with both partners always craving and wanting to be next to each other. But as the years pass by, those feelings slowly disappear and turn into something else. It's not something to be worried about - it's totally normal and healthy.
7. Companionship Becomes The Most Important
What do we all really want deep down in life? To live through it with your best friend! As passion fades into companionship, love becomes something familiar, warm, and comforting. We all just hope we find that special someone to be friends for life with.
8. Your Partner Grows To Be Your Favorite Person
Titles don't really exist anymore the longer your relationship goes on. Instead of seeing your partner as your "girlfriend," "boyfriend," or even "wife" or "husband," they just become your favorite person ever. They're your ride-or-die you can't imagine experiencing life without.
9. You Become An Excellent Problem-Solver
The first big fight between partners is always a scary one, but instead of seeing disagreements as a reason for breaking up, learning from them and becoming a better problem-solver is the only way to handle things. If you want to stay together, you push yourself to become excellent at conflict resolution; because you know it's needed when love always comes with challenges.
10. You Don't Fear Separation
Oh to be young and scared of making mistakes. As you grow up, you'll realize that you should never be scared of being broken up with in a relationship - that's just a sign of toxicity. Healthy relationships should always make you feel secure and safe. Besides, you should be with a partner who feels the same about making things work as you do - the first solution should never be to split.
11. You Become Good At Compromising
Your relationship should never feel like it's one-sided. While you might think the opposite when you're young and inexperienced, that everything should go your way, you'll learn to realize love is about making sure both parties feel wanted, seen, and satisfied. Because no, love is never just about you.
12. How You Express Love Varies
Overtime, the way you express love in your relationship might change drastically. Whether it's coming to fully understand your partner's love language or realizing that small, genuine acts are more valuable than occasional expensive gifts, it just goes to show you that love is constantly changing in the way we act and think.
13. You Focus On The Future Rather Than The Present
The older you are, the more likely love to you looks like what future you're painting together rather than figuring out what to do on the weekend. While there is still an aspect of enjoying the present together, there's also a general shift towards thinking about the future. It's not just about having a girlfriend or boyfriend, it's about having a life partner.
14. Fights Don't Scare You As Much
Fights in relationships are only as bad as you make them to be. Because experienced partners will know that these arguments are an opportunity to talk things out and grow, not be scared that things are going to end. While you might've once been scared to speak your mind and share your thoughts, mature couples have no problem being open and respectfully discussing their side. It's the best way to work things out and show that you love each other!
15. You Brush Off The Little Things
Did your partner forget to do the laundry? Or wash the dishes? It may have bothered you once upon a time ago, but if you've been together with them for a while or you happen to be older, chances are it won't bother you. Because you've learned it's best to brush off the little things unless they become actual problems.
16. Physical Intimacy Becomes Quality Over Quantity
We know you probably couldn't get your hands off of one another at one point in your relationship, but with time and maturity, the number of physically intimate encounters decreases - it turns into a more meaningful, romantic act instead. Yes, it's different, but many couples often find themselves still feeling satisfied and fulfilled as long it's with someone they truly love.
17. You Appreciate Routine
Following a similar routine every week might feel mundane and boring, but true growth is learning to appreciate the familiarity of it and coming to enjoy the little things. It's about feeling safe and knowing what to expect. At the end of the day, you'll learn that love is about enjoying all the time spent together - even the boring stuff.
18. You Feel Emotionally Connected
It's not just about physical compatibility or sharing the same goals, the best relationships come from partners that feel connected on an emotional and mental level. You feel like you truly know each other best and understand how to give each other exactly what's wanted and needed.
19. You Feel Like You're Growing Independently
Being in a relationship doesn't mean you have to do everything together and older individuals know this best. You're free to have your own hobbies, enjoy time to yourself, and grow as an individual. A real relationship is about maturing as a couple, but also as your own person. The feeling of being supported by someone who truly loves you allows you to feel free to explore your own individuality too.
20. You're No Longer Afraid of Getting Older
Age has always been something the vast majority of people are afraid of, but when you've experienced true love, that fear turns into joy. Who wouldn't be excited to experience the next chapter of life with their special someone by their side?
