How can you tell if someone actually loves you?

That’s tough…I guess it depends. With some people I don’t think you ever really know. You just have to have faith that they do.

Faith is dangerous. 

And so is love.

Have you ever loved someone? 

To love and to be in love are different things. 

How do you figure? 

When you love someone it’s like being on the shallow end of a pool where you know your parameters and it’s easy; in theory, to navigate.

Such as? 

Such as loving a family member or a friend or even a pet. You know where you start and the general rules are mapped out by social context. You may go to the deep end- sometimes abruptly, but you can always go back to the shallow end in most cases…if it’s healthy, at least. But when you’re in love you’re starting in the deep end and usually with no warning. One moment you’re on the edge of the pool and the next you’re completely submerged. The farther in love you fall; the further down you go and the only way out is with that ladder because the shallow end is nowhere in sight. Making your way back to the surface let alone trying to pull yourself out without slipping back under suddenly feels impossible compared to those steps at the shallow end. 

…So how do you know when someone’s “submerged” for you?

You can take their word for it, study their actions, and even take other people’s word for it…but that’s about it.

So you’ve been in love.  

Yes.