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Blog / connections / dating / Dating Tips / Find Love / Relationships

What’s the Difference Between Lust and Love? How to Pick a Lasting Connection

We’ve all experienced it: that weak-in-the-knees, heart-pounding, can’t-eat, can’t-sleep kind of infatuation. It’s exciting and thrilling, and you just can’t get enough. Is it love, or is it lust? Though they may feel similar, there are actually some key differences between the two emotions.

Love is a feeling of strong affection and strong passion in a relationship. When you’re in love, you want to spend time with the person and get to know them better than just the physical chemistry. You care about their happiness and well-being, and you’re willing to sacrifice your own needs for theirs. Love is usually built on a foundation of trust and mutual respect.

Lust, on the other hand, is often mistaken for love but it is actually something completely different. Lust is defined as a strong sexual desire. When you feel lust for someone, you are physically attracted to them and you want to have sex with. Lust is often physical and it is not always based on an emotional connection. Lust is also very temporary.

In this blog post, I will discuss the difference between lust and love and help you figure out which one you are feeling!

As a Dating Coach, I often work with singles that get sucked into lust, thinking they have fallen in love.

Love is usually a slower burn that grows over time, while lust is often more immediate and intense. Of course, there are also different consequences to each emotion. Love typically leads to lasting happiness and satisfaction, while lust often fizzles out quickly and can leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled.

In my Conscious Dating Programs, I discuss the value of combined requirements aka non-negotiables that lead to lasting love. These are core values and belief systems you must have in common with your partner in order for the relationship to be harmonious.

I personally have found these to be what makes a loving, understood, and accepting relationship. In order to find your perfect match, it is essential that you know what your own personal combined requirements are.

What values and beliefs do you hold dear to your heart? What would you absolutely not be willing to compromise on? Once you know this, it becomes much easier to disqualify potential partners who do not meet your requirements.

This doesn’t mean that you should be inflexible; rather, it means that you should only enter into relationships with those who share your core values. Otherwise, you’re likely to end up feeling frustrated and misunderstood. So take some time to figure out what your combined requirements are; it will save you a lot of heartache in the long run!

The biggest mistake is when singles make lifetime decisions based on ONLY the chemistry they feel.

Jumping in too quickly, most singles find out that after the chemicals and hormones wear off after the honeymoon phase is over. A person then realizes they have no common values with their partner. Because there is nothing to keep the deep connection moving forward, they soon discover their non-negotiables are not met in a relationship and leave because they are happier alone.

Often, we find ourselves attracted to the wrong type of person, or we end up getting hurt even though we thought we were being careful. If you’ve been through this cycle more than once, it might be time to re-evaluate how you choose your partners.

Being intentional and mindful of the reason why you’re picking someone is key. Taking time to vet a person will help you eliminate wasting your heart and emotions on the wrong partner. It’s important to remember that finding the right person takes time, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient, stay positive, and trust that the right person will come along when the time is right.

Are you wondering if the relationship is right? Check out this video. [article continued below]

 

Many of us were not taught to be mindful of why we are entering a relationship.

According to a recent study, couples tend to go through different stages of love over the course of their relationship. The study, which was published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, found that after six months, couples tend to move on from the initial “bonding” stage. This may be why most relationships end around the 3 to the 6-month mark.

The researchers explain that the early stages of romantic love, which are characterized by stress. This research provides new insight into the different stages of love that couples may experience over time. It also highlights the importance of communication and understanding in relationships, as these can help couples to navigate these different stages successfully.

Most singles throw darts when it comes to finding a partner with little or no conflict resolution skills. They don’t know how to move forward from the challenge when conflict arises. This may be the reason the divorce rate is so high.

The good news is that you don’t have to be part of that statistic. You can take the time to work on getting clear about your requirements, needs, and vision with an ideal partner and learn the relationship skills that will help you create a lasting relationship.

Knowing this information will help you screen and pick someone who can actually meet your needs. And even if there is conflict, you know how to apply healthy communication skills to resolve your problems or trust your choices on when to walk away. By taking these measures, you can find a partner that you’re compatible with and who will be there for you through the ups and downs of life.

Now that we know the difference between lust and love, let me know what you are usually finding yourself falling for below! If you would like to learn more about how to have more clarity on how to pick a partner so that you can have a healthy relationship, schedule a Free Relationship Readiness Review here.

 

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Here’s something I want you to know: Love doesn’t have an expiration date. ❤️ I share my personal experiences with @fountain_hrt 

I don’t care if you’re 25, 45, 65, or beyond…your heart is just as capable of love as it ever was. Each chapter of your life brings something beautiful to the table.

Stop listening to people who say you’ve “missed your chance.” That’s nonsense. All those experiences you’ve had? They’re not holding you back - they’re making you better at love. You know yourself now. You know what matters.

So keep your heart open. Stay hopeful. Trust me on this one - it’s never too late. 💕

#LoveAtAnyAge #NeverTooLate #LoveStory #Relationships #Hope #SelfLove #Dating #LoveIsLove #Inspiration #HeartOpen
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Here’s something I want you to know: Love doesn’t have an expiration date. ❤️ I share my personal experiences with @fountain_hrt I don’t care if you’re 25, 45, 65, or beyond…your heart is just as capable of love as it ever was. Each chapter of your life brings something beautiful to the table. Stop listening to people who say you’ve “missed your chance.” That’s nonsense. All those experiences you’ve had? They’re not holding you back - they’re making you better at love. You know yourself now. You know what matters. So keep your heart open. Stay hopeful. Trust me on this one - it’s never too late. 💕 #LoveAtAnyAge #NeverTooLate #LoveStory #Relationships #Hope #SelfLove #Dating #LoveIsLove #Inspiration #HeartOpen
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If you’re constantly wondering where you stand with someone, feeling like you’re the only one putting in emotional effort, or making excuses for why they can’t show up for you… that’s your cue to pause and reflect.

Here’s what conscious dating taught me:

✨ Notice the patterns early- Are they consistent with their words AND actions? Or do you find yourself analyzing mixed signals?

✨Your emotional needs aren’t “too much”- Wanting deep conversations, genuine connection, and emotional presence is normal and healthy

✨ Stop trying to earn basic respect- The right person won’t make you feel like you’re auditioning for their love

✨ Trust your gut- If something feels off, it probably is. Your intuition is protecting you

You deserve someone who’s excited to know your heart, not someone who treats your emotions like they’re inconvenient. Period.

What’s one boundary you’ve set in dating that changed everything for you? Drop it below 👇

#ConsciousDating #EmotionalAvailability #DatingTips #SelfWorth #Boundaries #HealthyRelationships #DatingAdvice #LoveYourself #RelationshipGoals #MindfulDating #SelfLove #Dating2025 #EmotionalIntelligence #KnowYourWorth #RelationshipBoundaries
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If you’re constantly wondering where you stand with someone, feeling like you’re the only one putting in emotional effort, or making excuses for why they can’t show up for you… that’s your cue to pause and reflect. Here’s what conscious dating taught me: ✨ Notice the patterns early- Are they consistent with their words AND actions? Or do you find yourself analyzing mixed signals? ✨Your emotional needs aren’t “too much”- Wanting deep conversations, genuine connection, and emotional presence is normal and healthy ✨ Stop trying to earn basic respect- The right person won’t make you feel like you’re auditioning for their love ✨ Trust your gut- If something feels off, it probably is. Your intuition is protecting you You deserve someone who’s excited to know your heart, not someone who treats your emotions like they’re inconvenient. Period. What’s one boundary you’ve set in dating that changed everything for you? Drop it below 👇 #ConsciousDating #EmotionalAvailability #DatingTips #SelfWorth #Boundaries #HealthyRelationships #DatingAdvice #LoveYourself #RelationshipGoals #MindfulDating #SelfLove #Dating2025 #EmotionalIntelligence #KnowYourWorth #RelationshipBoundaries
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Read the full article to discover what is literally working against you in early stages of dating (and how to outsmart it) ⁠
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https://amiethedatingcoach.com/why-relationships-end-at-3-months-and-what-to-do/⁠
⁠
#3monthfizzle #relationshipbreakup #datingpattern #threemonthpattern #breakthecycle #datingadvice #datingtips
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As a dating coach who’s worked with thousands of clients over the years, I can tell you that the three-month relationship pattern is one of the most common issues I see.⁠ ⁠ You meet someone, everything feels magical, and you’re convinced this could be “the one.” Then, like clockwork, around month three, something shifts. The spark fades, doubts creep in, and before you know it, you’re single again, wondering what went wrong.⁠ ⁠ If this sounds like your dating story on repeat, I want you to know that you’re not broken, and you’re definitely not alone.⁠ ⁠ There are very real psychological and biological reasons why this keeps happening, and once you understand them, you can start making different choices.⁠ ⁠ Read the full article to discover what is literally working against you in early stages of dating (and how to outsmart it) ⁠ ⁠ https://amiethedatingcoach.com/why-relationships-end-at-3-months-and-what-to-do/⁠ ⁠ #3monthfizzle #relationshipbreakup #datingpattern #threemonthpattern #breakthecycle #datingadvice #datingtips
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Happy 13th Anniversary to us! 🎉❤️

Thirteen years ago, we promised each other a lifetime of love and adventure and wow, have we delivered on that promise!

We’ve proven that the best journeys are the ones we take hand in hand, and the most beautiful memories are the ones we create together.

Here’s to 13 amazing years of marriage and a love that keeps growing stronger with every new experience we share. Thank you for being my favorite adventure partner, my best friend, and the love of my life. 🫶

Every love story is beautiful, but ours is my absolute favorite! 💕

Cheers to us and to all the incredible memories still waiting for us! 🥂✨​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

#13yearsstrong #13thanniversary #anniversarypost #marriedlife #loveofmylife #adventurepartner #soulmate #myforever #husbandandwife #marriagegoals
Happy 13th Anniversary to us! 🎉❤️

Thirteen years ago, we promised each other a lifetime of love and adventure and wow, have we delivered on that promise!

We’ve proven that the best journeys are the ones we take hand in hand, and the most beautiful memories are the ones we create together.

Here’s to 13 amazing years of marriage and a love that keeps growing stronger with every new experience we share. Thank you for being my favorite adventure partner, my best friend, and the love of my life. 🫶

Every love story is beautiful, but ours is my absolute favorite! 💕

Cheers to us and to all the incredible memories still waiting for us! 🥂✨​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

#13yearsstrong #13thanniversary #anniversarypost #marriedlife #loveofmylife #adventurepartner #soulmate #myforever #husbandandwife #marriagegoals
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Happy 13th Anniversary to us! 🎉❤️ Thirteen years ago, we promised each other a lifetime of love and adventure and wow, have we delivered on that promise! We’ve proven that the best journeys are the ones we take hand in hand, and the most beautiful memories are the ones we create together. Here’s to 13 amazing years of marriage and a love that keeps growing stronger with every new experience we share. Thank you for being my favorite adventure partner, my best friend, and the love of my life. 🫶 Every love story is beautiful, but ours is my absolute favorite! 💕 Cheers to us and to all the incredible memories still waiting for us! 🥂✨​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ #13yearsstrong #13thanniversary #anniversarypost #marriedlife #loveofmylife #adventurepartner #soulmate #myforever #husbandandwife #marriagegoals
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The Fine Line Between Compassion and Self-Abandonment

Learning to recognize when your empathy becomes self-sacrifice. It took me years to understand that constantly putting someone else’s needs before my own wasn’t love...it was a pattern that led to resentment and losing myself in the process. 

Real love doesn’t require you to abandon who you are. Sometimes the most compassionate thing you can do is maintain your boundaries and not enable harmful behavior. 

Growth means learning that you can care deeply for someone without sacrificing your own well-being.

#selflove #boundaries #relationships #codependency #personalgrowth #healing #mentalhealth #selfcare #emotionalhealth #relationshippatterns #peoplepleasing #selfworth #healthyrelationships #innerwork #therapy #selfawareness #growth #love #wellness #mindset #recovery #selfcompassion #boundaries matter #healingjourney #relationshiphealing
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The Fine Line Between Compassion and Self-Abandonment Learning to recognize when your empathy becomes self-sacrifice. It took me years to understand that constantly putting someone else’s needs before my own wasn’t love...it was a pattern that led to resentment and losing myself in the process. Real love doesn’t require you to abandon who you are. Sometimes the most compassionate thing you can do is maintain your boundaries and not enable harmful behavior. Growth means learning that you can care deeply for someone without sacrificing your own well-being. #selflove #boundaries #relationships #codependency #personalgrowth #healing #mentalhealth #selfcare #emotionalhealth #relationshippatterns #peoplepleasing #selfworth #healthyrelationships #innerwork #therapy #selfawareness #growth #love #wellness #mindset #recovery #selfcompassion #boundaries matter #healingjourney #relationshiphealing
2 weeks ago
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