Being in love is a powerful feeling. The emotions are intense. It is so exciting that it may be hard to concentrate on taking care of school or work or family responsibilities. Sometimes people confuse real love with the possessive love they may see on TV or the movies. They believe that love is only love at first sight. But real, mature love takes more time to develop. Many teens believe they are in love. They may be in love in an immature way.

Sometimes teens or adults in love give up all their friends. Sometimes they stop doing activities they enjoy. Some have jealous partners that never let them be alone or with another person. They are jealous of any time their loved one talks to another person. Others are forced to do things they do not want to do, or are in a violent relationship. These are unhealthy relationships. This is not love. There is a saying that "love is blind". What we think is love may distort our ability to see the real relationship.

Mature love lets you be you. People can be themselves, and are respected for it. People in mature love have common interests, and are honest with each other. People who share mature love do not see the other person as the solution to their problems. They see the other person as a wonderful gift. They spend time with each other's families and friends. Mature love relationships do not cause people to give up their values. Most of the time this mature love comes when we are beyond our teen years.

When a love relationship ends, it is common to feel the loss and sadness. Most people find another love relationship later, as they learn more about relationships. If someone is coping with a loss of a love or is in an unhealthy relationship, they may need help. Talking to a counselor or healthcare provider can help.

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