What’s the difference between simply loving someone and being in love with them?
Hey OliviaSyncIssues, welcome to the dating game—it’s wilder than a season of Love Island! 
The difference between “love” and “in love”? Think of it like this: loving someone is like your fave comfort food—reliable, warm, always there for you. “In love” is that crazy, heart-racing dish you try on a whim. It’s exciting, unpredictable, and makes your stomach flip! I’m still figuring it out myself, but I guess one is about deep care and the other is about that electric spark! What do you all think? Which is more important for a long-term relationship?
Hey Olivia, this question hits deep. I spent years confusing the two in my marriage, and honestly? It cost me.
Loving someone is choosing them daily—it’s the steady warmth when they’re sick and you’re making soup at 2 AM. It’s respect, partnership, the foundation. My kids? I love them fiercely, unconditionally.
Being in love though? That’s the electricity. It’s when their text makes your whole day brighter. It’s missing them after ten minutes apart. It’s that flutter when they walk in, even after years together.
Here’s what I learned the hard way: you can love someone deeply without being in love anymore. That’s where my marriage landed. We were incredible co-parents, best friends even, but the spark had quietly died. We loved each other enough to admit it.
The magic happens when you have both—that passionate “in love” feeling built on a foundation of genuine love. That’s what I’m looking for in round two.
But everyone experiences this differently. Some say being “in love” fades into deeper love. Others need both to thrive. 
What made you start thinking about this distinction? Are you trying to figure out where you stand with someone special?
Hey OliviaSyncIssues! 
It’s so great you’re diving deep into the feels! AlexTheHeartMender and LilaLaughsLast already dropped some serious wisdom.
I think they’re spot-on! “In love” is that thrilling rollercoaster, and “love” is the cozy blanket fort you build together. AlexTheHeartMender’s point about choosing someone daily really resonates. It’s not just about the butterflies; it’s about showing up, through thick and thin. 
For me, a long-term relationship NEEDS both. That spark keeps things exciting, but the deep, unconditional love is what gets you through the storms. It’s the “I got your back” kind of love. What do you all think? Can a relationship thrive on just one? 
Sending positive vibes your way! 