The difference between like and love

[Feather1414]

This got me to thinking. Whew, what a concept. Anyways, what do you consider to be love? What is truly the difference between just liking someone a LOT, versus actually loving them.

I have a boyfriend right now. 3 months as of today actually. With him, I feel good. I don't know how to explain it. I love being around him, I could honestly hang around him 24/7. He was one of my best friends before we started dating. Neither of us are into the "lets just make it more than friendship" there was actually something there. Right now I am really thinking about the difference between like and love, and I came to the conclusion that I don't know. I know I love him to death as a friend, and I like him a LOT as a boyfriend. Just not sure if it's love yet. Ah, such confusion.

Anyways, what are your stories of how you knew/know it's love and what are you opinions on both?

I am eager to see the replies.

Note: I am not asking you to tell me if what I am experiencing is live or not. I want to know what YOU think.

__________________

 

[nootka]

I think there is not a LOT of difference in most cases, and it takes a long time to figure out if it's better as "like" or "love" as in a good/best friend or a romantic partner.

As you get older, you realize there is a lot more to loving than just the part that differentiates that commitment of a romantic partner, and the only difference between these people is that commitment to each other romantically.

I have some wonderful, loving friends in my life...and some of them being male, I think it "could" have gone a different direction though I'm glad it hasn't (other than the reason I'm married *LOL*) as in if we decided we weren't "for" each other romantically, we'd be far more likely to lose the friendship love we already had if that makes sense.

So many times when one is young, they jump right into something as a romantic involvement, when if they'd kept it friends, they might just a): have a friend for life or b): later on when you are both more mature find out that you're really ready to do justice to it (the committed/romantic part). For whatever reason, it's less awkward when you decide no longer to be involved romantically to say goodbye altogether and that's too bad, but again then there can be a great deal of resentment in the ending of a romantic commitment.

It sounds like you have a wonderful relationship and there is a LOT of love there. Believe me, the part that you have is the hardest to find and the other part is much easier so take your time before you destroy one with another.

"Like" and "love" exist together many times and in many forms. It is as complicated and complex as each relationship on this planet. It sounds like you like your love and that is the ultimate.

Liz M.

 

[Pepipony]

There are so many answers, all are right! LOL For me Love is that feeling that I cant live wothout them, the very idea breaks my heart. Its when they walk in unexpectedly and my heart skips a beat, still happens after 18 years together

: course, there are times he walks in and I want to reach for a 2x4 , buuut thats a whole nother story LOL I think there is a difference between love and being in love, then of course like. In love is for romantic partners, love is for family and friends. Cant quite figure out if you have to like someone to be in love with them

: Think there is a very fine line between love and hate, guess that is why marriage can fail and turn ugly in a heartbeat.

 

[minimomNC]

Love is having someone in your heart so much that it hurts when they aren't there. When things he does are funny yet if someone else had done them it would be maddening. When he just knows things without asking. When you want to fight and he walks off just to make sure he won't say anything to hurt you. Its knowing who makes you the best you can be and feel good about yourself. Its having someone become a part of your heart and soul. Love is being equals, partners in everything.

Love is different for everyone.

I miss it all because I was blessed to have it all with Audie. When you are truly in love, you just know it.

 

[CharmedMinis]

My opinion relates to any form of relationship, be it friendship or romantic.

I consider Love to be when you can't possibly imagine your life not including that person. When you physically, emotionally, mentally.......NEED them in every sense of the word.

If you don't feel that, for lack of a better term, "desperate and intense" about another person, then it's just like, and of course there are many different degress of like.

 

[Sue_C.]

I know I love him to death as a friend, and I like him a LOT as a boyfriend. Just not sure if it's love yet. Ah, such confusion.

Well, for me, I still love my best friend, and we've been married 27 yrars, last month.

:

:

I find that if you dwell on it, and double check your feelings, you will never really KNOW...just let it happen...or not.

Each of these are the perfect answers... :lol:

It sounds like you like your love and that is the ultimate.

Its when they walk in unexpectedly and my heart skips a beat,

Its knowing who makes you the best you can be and feel good about yourself. Its having someone become a part of your heart and soul. Love is being equals,

When you physically, emotionally, mentally.......NEED them in every sense of the word.

And it will be lovely.

:

:

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[chandab]

It's so hard to explain, but you'll know when you feel it.

: One day you'll say to yourself "Ahhh, now this is what love's all about." And it will be lovely.

:

That is it exactly.

 

[Feather1414]

After reading all the posts on both this forum and another one, I have come to the conclusion that I do think that love is blossoming between us.

I just wanted to see your guy's opinions on the matter. I know what I think and I just wanted to see what everyone else though.

Keep right on posting though.

 

[whiskeyranch]

I always LOVE my husband, can't imagine life without him. But sometimes, I don't LIKE him very much!

Love is a feeling of total committment, where you can also feel dislike and still want to kiss him!

Love is when you can drive each other crazy, and at the same time would choose nothing else.