The pendulum on the clock swung back and forth much like my mind which was swinging between two possibilities – Was I in love or was I just infatuated?

This question arises in everyone’s mind when they first hear the bells ringing in their heart, when they cannot stop smiling just thinking of the person they find irresistible, when time just seems to stand still when you are not on the phone whispering sweet nothings to each other and life is so exciting just being around that person.

Honestly, not too many people in love give any thought to the fact that it might just be an infatuation that would die down sooner if not later. But since they are both wonderful emotions the heartbreak will be just as painful should the relationship end. One thing is for certain – there cannot be love without the initial infatuation.

How then do we tell one from the other? When does infatuation turn to Love? Looking at my own relationship I have come to the conclusion which I now share with you. They may not be all but it is a beginning.

Infatuation is an instantaneous feeling of desire which speeds up our heartbeat and has an element of sexual excitement to it. There is a burning want that every meeting would end up in intimacy. Love on the other hand is more about friendship which needs to take roots and grow one day at a time. Yes, you need to be friends before you turn lovers because everything then is so much more sweeter.

Unlike love, infatuation gives us a feeling of insecurity and keeps us worrying about whether the other person is cheating. This normally drives us to getting married in a hurry lest we lose the person. This is where love scores – it brings in a sense of trust in a relationship. It never makes you feel threatened and whether the person is near you or away, you will stay secure in your thoughts that he or she will always be yours.

Yes, with me, it was definitely infatuation to start with but now I am a better person – calm, mature, happy and best friends with my girl – I am in Love !!.