How long does it take to fall in love? Also how long until you say I love you?

Question

just curious...

Answer 1

First comes physical attraction. That may come immediately, but centuries of brokered marriages in many cultures prove that, at least for the male, it will come shortly after the wedding with more or less passion. As the French say:"La nuit, toutes les chattes sont grises". For the female in that process, it may come sooner, later, or never, depending on the talents of her mate.

The emotional attachement called "love" is a horse of a different color. A "coup de foudre" does happen, but is rare enough and must be distinguished from a useless or dangerous infatuation. Unfortunately, there are no simple rules. That's why newspapers have advice columns.

More frequently, the emotional attachment, if it comes at all, grows at its own pace, completely dependent upon the character of the individuals and the sparks that fly. Again, there can be no simple rules that will convince you that: "He's the guy!". That's why the advice columns say: "Listen to your heart!".

Anecdotal evidence (an oxymoron?) tells us that, even with arranged marriages, the emotional attachment comes with the first pregnancy, if not before. That may tell us that love comes with deeply shared interests. Certainly, the lack thereof is a negative indicator.

If I were a woman seeking marriage and children, I would hold off the decision until some practical qualities were proven: honesty, reliability, capability (in all important matters), and reciprocity of interest. I would also expect the intended one to say the three words first. The female of the species always has more to lose than the male.

But of course, if you are not interested in marriage and children, forget all of the above. Do whatever feels good, but safety first!

Answer 2

Love usually starts as infatuation. It does feel a lot like love. Real love takes time. I would say at least six months. It is when you genuinely care about the person so much that you would put their needs in front of your own.

Answer 3

It varies really. I fell in love with the man that is now my husband after only a few months. Before him I felt love for only one other guy and it took years to realize it. Saying, "I love you" is the same. I only say I love you when I really mean it, some people say it all the time. So again, it all varies.

Answer 4

Husband number 1: ...felt in love instantly, said the L word within 1 month

Husband number 2:...felt in love after dating 1 year...said the L word after 1 year also.

Answer 5

I would have to believe that can very greatly. The first girl I was in love with was very quick for me. When it ended it devastated me for years. My current wife it was quite a while before I felt I loved her. I think once again men tend to confuse lust with love and often will use this word to attain goals. The biggest danger is to say I love you to someone and their response is no comment.

Answer 6

There is no handbook on love. If you believe in love at first sight, then we're talking the first day. Some others it takes time.
You'll know when you're in love and you'll know when it feels right to say it to the person you love.

Answer 7

I don't think there is any time frame per say for falling in love. As for saying I love you when you truely mean it just rolls off the tongue naturally with no worries about is it too soon or will he be scared off etc.

Answer 8

some people never fall in love. even after being married 3 or 4 times. they just think they do. the real meaning of love is mostly overlooked by greedy and selfish people. you should never say anything that you don't really mean.

Answer 9

There are no standard of LOVE. Could be just RIGHT AWAY, could be one second, one hour, one week, one month, one year. If you are really in LOVE with somebody, go ahead, tell him as soon as possible. Don't wait. BUT get to know him personally before you both get married. That's a very important step for your FUTURE.

Answer 10

2 weeks

longest ive stayed in love

about 3 years