Now this is one tricky question and the answer is not always crystal-clear. But fear not, here are guide on how to separate real love from false signs:
Lust is the simplest to identify. It's purely based on physical attraction. You're not fussed by his awful dress sense cos all you want to do is rip his clothes off. What's wrong with you? Blame it on the overproduction of the sex hormones, testosterone and estrogen.
Crush is that teeny-bopper feeling you get that probably comes from a more physical than emotion place. It can turn into love or fade away. Sometimes a mild crush turns almost obsessive with what's called "intrusive thinking", a toxic feeling of longing where your Facebook stalk him as if he were the oxygen you need to breathe.
Love is when you're past the crush and lust stage. You like him even after he has done something annoying, you imagine a future with him and you feel loyal to him. Chemicals involved with this feeling are oxytoxin and vasopressin. According to researchers at University of Calofornia, oxytoxin is associated with the ability to maintain healthy interpersonal relationships and healthy psychological boundaries with others. Vasopressin, on the other hand, is a hormaone that promotes feelings of bonding and connection, which is a possible explanation of why lusty love fades as attachment grows within the couple.
