Is Love At First Sight Real? 6 Signs It Might Be

Love at first sight is such a fairytale concept that it is almost impossible to believe it can happen. It is often based on overpowering and intoxicating physical attraction. However, the phenomenon has found roots in scientific studies and psychological processes.

Studies show that humans use their intuitive skills to evaluate a suitable partner quickly in just 100 ms. Once attracted to the person, an individual may become emotionally attached to them and communicate affection through a copulatory gaze (1). This initial attraction is termed “love at first sight” because of its intensity and the flurry of strong emotions an individual goes through.

This article discusses the reality of love at first sight, its signs, and the possibility of evolving into a lifetime commitment. Keep scrolling!

Can You Fall In Love At First Sight?

Yes, if the person matches the version of the ideal person in your head, you can experience a feeling quite similar to ’love’ at first sight. According to behavioral relationship expert Tracy Crossley, “You can fall in love with the idea of someone at the moment. Something about them compels you to want to get to know them, to invest time and energy in them.” But it is best not to confuse this physical attraction and chemistry with love. Just a glimpse isn’t enough to form a connection as deep as true love.

Crossley adds, “I have found men do this more often than women. Meaning, men can meet a woman/man, and it is not intense chemistry or anything crazy (like making fantasies of riding off into the sunset together). They feel something different and are curious, interested, and already committed to learning more about the other person. In a sense, it is love at first sight, but it is not true love: I would say it is enchantment. Women do not have love at first sight (that often), though they may claim it. They tend to be more attached to an idea and how they want the person to fit into their idea of how they want things to be.”

However, you don’t have to be disheartened yet. Love is about understanding a person and accepting them with all their flaws and shortcomings. The initial infatuation can develop into true love if you devote time to discovering shared interests and passions. You won’t know what potential the relationship has until you explore it together.

Destiny might not be the only thing at work when you feel like you have fallen in love as soon as you see your date for the first time. Let’s take a look at why you often have love-at-first-sight experiences below.

Trivia

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle fell in love at first sight when they met each other briefly on a blind date. During various interviews, both confessed how they fell for each other and wanted to take it further.

Causes Of Love At First Sight

Love at first sight seems magical but it involves chemical reactions like every other body functions. The butterflies you feel are made possible by the release of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. These hormones create an instant attachment and the reaction continues if the brain feels the feeling is mutual. On the psychological front, ‘love at first sight’ might be a positive illusion that your mind creates after having a long-term relationship with your partner for years. You may manipulate your memory to think that you felt the same, deep love towards your partner from the start.

Love is an exquisite feeling that builds over time. Experiencing love at first sight is merely a feeling of joy in finding a potential perfect companion. Let us understand the various signs that point toward love at first sight. Read on.

Signs Of Love At First Sight

1. You Can’t Take Your Eyes Off Them

When it comes to love at first sight, eye contact is everything. Your eyes lock on one another, and you can’t hear or see anyone or anything else. The ’come-hither look’ or copulatory gaze is the look humans have evolved to signal a decent sexual or reproductive partner.

Shireen Sinclair, a blogger, describes her encounter with love at first sight at 16. She explains how she fell head over heels in love with the boy at the church and how her heart yearned to see him every day. She remembers the guy even after 22 years and recollects every moment. She said, “No matter how much I try to ignore it, I have to admit, this was love-at-first-sight. My friends tell me this was infatuation. Others tell me I was a flirt. Many other mature adults tell me that I was a growing teenager trying to control the pangs of puberty. All of it was wrong (i).”

2. You Feel Butterflies In Your Stomach

A key difference between love built over time and first-sight love is the sense of overwhelming nervousness. We find ourselves searching for words when we try to initiate conversations with the potential partner. They make you feel nervous and happy at the same time.

3. There Is A Sense Of Familiarity

“There is a sureness you feel with this person, not anxiety, but a feeling of ease and honesty. There is fear, but only minimal. There is a confidence that this is worth investing in,” mentions Crossley. It is almost as if you have known this person for a long time.

4. You Want To Know Them Inside-Out

You are instantly attracted to them, and you have a gut feeling that there is something special about this person. You feel a fascination for and ardor toward their thoughts and actions. Thus, there is a curiosity to know everything about the person.

5. You Can’t Find Any Flaw In Them

You feel as if you have found your perfect partner, a soulmate. Anything they do or say is adorable and impressive to you. The way they walk, talk, smile, or conduct themselves is incredibly appealing to you. If you have fallen in love at first sight, it is impossible to find even a single shortcoming in your love interest.

6. You Feel Uninhibited Around Them

When you are nervous around someone or feel the need to hide your authentic self, it is not easy to build a bond. On the other hand, when you are relaxed and confident, you can engage in interesting conversations and share your honest opinions. The second scenario is what happens when you fall in love at first sight with someone.

Quick Tip

Taylor Swift’s “Love Story,” Kylie Minogue’s “Love at First Sight,” and Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love” are some of the popular songs that dwell on the feelings of love at first sight.

Can Love At First Sight Lead To A Successful Marriage?

“Yes. It can, but if someone believes love at first sight is wanting to jump someone’s bones and crazy chemistry, then they need to be real, as it is not love. People misconstrue what love is. Love is easy, not complicated. So, if it sparks a person to want to invest in a relationship with the other person, that is key to success. Of course, both people need to feel curiosity and interest in developing a relationship,” suggests Crossley.

She adds, “Love at first sight is really a poor description of what happens when someone invests in a relationship with consistency and honesty. They have words and actions that match, and they have emotional intimacy.”

So, it is important to know each other before jumping into a marriage. The initial attraction towards your crush can always be further strengthened by your compatibility and shared interests. If so, love at first sight can lead to a happy and fulfilling matrimonial bond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does love at first sight last forever?

Yes, love at first sight may lead to a lasting relationship. However, like any other relationship, it will require immense trust, understanding, and commitment and blossoming romance and attraction to develop a stronger bond.

Is love, at first sight, real or just a myth?

Whether love, at first sight, is real or not depends on you and your partner. If you and your partner are compatible, share similar interests, and communicate freely, then for you, it’s real. But it can prove to be dangerous due to the expectations, as well as the fact that it can be one-sided.

Can love at first sight happen more than once in a lifetime?

Yes, love, at first sight, can happen multiple times. If you felt it once, you can feel it again and effectively navigate yourself the next time rather than getting attached too easily.

How does love at first sight compare to developing feelings over time?

Love, at first sight, does not take into account your partner’s personality traits and behavior, whereas developing feelings over time allows you time to get to know the person before you get attached and fall in love with them.

Illustration: Is Love At First Sight Real?

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

You can learn the science behind love at first sight. Yes, you read that right. Check out the video and find out how love at first sight actually works!

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Joy NwokoroRelationship Coach

     

Joy Nwokoro is a Christian relationship and marriage speaker, counselor, and coach. Although she studied English and Literature at the Abia State University in Nigeria, she was called over a decade ago to help singles and married people build and nurture healthy relationships and marriages that will make them feel fulfilled and satisfied.

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