Do Not Say ‘I Love You’ Until You Can Answer These 5 Questions

When the stars align — or when a dating website works in your favor — a new bae will enter your life, bringing on a whole new slew of ups and downs.

But will it be lust (that deep craving for sex or for another individual) or love (a true, genuine connection and caring for another)?

Though these two ideas overlap, they are far from one in the same, so we’re breaking it down once and for all.

1. Is it only about sex?

Of course, having chemistry in the bedroom is of the utmost importance, but an obsession or fixation on sex can be detrimental.

After time, you and your partner will get bored, or always be looking for the next best thing in bed.

2. Do you keep secrets?

A couple in love has no walls, boundaries or secrets. Oftentimes, a couple in lust holds back their true self.

3. Do you have a deep, lasting friendship?

If so, you may be well on your way to loving your partner. A relationship built on a foundation without friendship has little to fall back on.

4. Do you often feel jealous or needy?

A couple in love is one that trusts one another, regardless of the situation. A couple in lust, who looks only to sex, often finds reasons to be jealousof others’ wandering eyes.

5. Do you expect perfection from your partner?

Being in love means being accepting of every flaw, imperfection and otherwise from your partner.

Those in lust, however, often expect them to look perfect, perform perfect, and act perfect around friends and family for the relationship to appear good.