I Think I’m in Love

February 10, 2018

I think I’m in love, but how do I know for sure?


Songs are written about it. Movies are made about it. Poetry has centered around it. You can find thousands of memes about it. And we set aside an entire holiday to celebrate it.


Love.


But how do you know for sure when you’re in love?


We certainly don’t have all the answers, but there are some general questions you can ask yourself that will help you figure out if what you’re feeling is real love.


Do I love myself and feel complete, even when I’m not dating anyone? When you feel needy and like you’re depending on someone else to complete you, that’s usually a sign of infatuation instead of love. It’s hard to really love someone else when you don’t feel comfortable with yourself and love yourself.


Is my attraction mostly physical or sexual? Or is it more than that? Real love extends beyond the physical to a deep emotional connection and attraction. Would you want to be with this person even if sex weren’t a part of the relationship? If so, that’s a good sign that you really love him or her.


Can I be myself with this person? When you’re really in love with someone, you both feel comfortable being yourselves. You don’t have to pretend to be anything you aren’t, and you don’t walk on eggshells. You feel accepted just as you are. You feel safe.


Do we have fun together? Do you laugh? Do you do fun things and have interesting conversations? When you’re really in love, you enjoy being together and you have fun together.


How do we handle conflict? You’ll have conflict in any authentic relationship. The key is in how you handle it. Do you sweep it under the rug and ignore it? Do you pretend there isn’t any conflict? If you haven’t had any conflict, there’s a good chance you aren’t being real with each other. And if you aren’t being real with each other, then you can’t possibly know if you’re really in love.


Do I know my boyfriend/girlfriend isn’t perfect? If you think you’ve found the PERFECT ONE, then you’re probably feeling infatuation instead of love. When you really are in love, you see that your partner isn’t perfect, but you accept his or her imperfections. (Please understand that we’re not talking about imperfections like drug abuse or verbal, emotional or physical abuse. If your significant other demonstrates any of those signs, you need to remove yourself from the relationship and encourage him or her to get help.)


Do I care about We as much as I care about Me? When you really love someone, you care about him or her as much as you care about yourself. You want to put your relationship and your couple goals and priorities on the same level as your personal goals and priorities. We’re not saying you lose yourself and become a doormat. No, not at all. We’re saying real love isn’t selfish and self-centered.


We care about you. And we want you to be in a healthy, loving relationship. You deserve that. If we can help you navigate your relationship questions, please call us.

My Friends Are Telling Me to Abort, But I'm Not Ready

June 4, 2025
An unexpected pregnancy can leave you with more questions than answers. Especially when friends are urging you to choose abortion, you may be more confused than ever. While their advice might come from care or fear, it’s essential to remember this is your pregnancy, future, and choice. At Collage, we’re here to help you navigate this pressure and find a path that feels right for you so that you can feel informed and confident about your decision. Reach out to us today for no-cost support. Listen to Your Instincts Your friends might be an important part of your life, but your instincts matter most. If abortion doesn’t feel right, take a moment to ask: What’s holding me back? Maybe you’re picturing parenting your child or are curious about adoption. It’s also important to keep in mind that abortion is a serious procedure that your friends may not fully grasp the details of. Physical and emotional risks are involved, making it a more complex decision. Your hesitation is a sign to slow down and explore, not to rush into a choice you’re not ready for. Talk It Out If your friends keep pressing, try a gentle conversation. Let them know you understand they’re worried, you’re not sure about abortion yet. Ask what’s driving their advice. Maybe they’re scared about your finances or future. Maybe they’re simply telling you what they’d do in your situation, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Understanding their side can ease tension without giving in. If they won’t respect your space, set boundaries and let them know you need time to think. You don’t owe them an immediate answer. Find Your Support Surround yourself with people who’ll lift you up, not pull you down. Write down your thoughts or talk to someone neutral. You can find a counselor or even online spaces where you can share your heart with those who won’t push one option over another. Even a trusted family member, a mentor, or a place like Collage can offer perspective without strings. You deserve to make this decision with clear facts and a steady heart, not under pressure. Help is Available If your friends are pushing abortion but you’re not ready, Collage is here with no-cost lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasounds, and pregnancy options education to help you decide what’s next. Our trained team offers confidential support to explore parenting, adoption, or abortion without pressure. Contact us for a no-cost appointment today. You deserve to choose your own path.

Hiding My Pregnancy: Would Abortion Be an Option?

May 21, 2025
An unexpected pregnancy can flip your world upside down, and the urge to keep it under wraps might hit hard. Maybe you’re thinking abortion could erase the situation quietly.

What to Do When Friends and Family Are Pressuring You into an Abortion Decision

April 2, 2025
What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty.  Schedule a confidential appointment today.
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