25 Signs You're in Love with Someone Else

When it's truly love and not lust, here's what you're probably feeling.

Even the most devoted married man or woman will get blindsided by a bout of white-hot lust that isn't directed at his or her spouse every once and a while. (Hey, we're only human.) But it's something else entirely to fall head-over-heels in love with someone who didn't stand at the altar with you.

If you're struggling with your feelings—and a crush outside your marriage—we're here to help. We've rounded up all of the signs that what you're feeling is truly love—and not just a fleeting bout of carnal desire. So read on, and remember to tread carefully. And for more top-notch relationship advice, bone up on the 40 Old-Fashioned Relationship Tips That Still Apply Today.

1
You share every last detail about your life with them.

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When you're in love with someone, your natural instinct is to want to share every detail of your life with them. Normally this person is your significant other, but if your heart is with someone else, you might find that your confidante is no longer your partner, but a new pal whom you may or may not realize you're falling for. And if this sounds like your life, maybe you should familiarize with the 15 Reasons You Actually Want an Open Relationship.

2
You make excuses for their flaws.

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You might be well aware that the person you're falling in love with is rude, unclean, or even a well-known player. But even so, you'll defend their bad habits and character traits any time someone else brings them up in conversation. After all, part of loving someone is taking the bad with the good, and the only person who gets to criticize the person you love is you.

3
You constantly bring them up in conversation.

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When someone is taking up a large chunk of real estate in your mind, they're likely also going to come up often in conversation. Even if you're talking to a friend about something as simple as the weather, you'll find a way to weave an anecdote about this person in and make them relevant, just because they're all you can think about. And if you're ready to take the next step with the person you're pining for, use these 40 Best Date Ideas If You're Over 40.

4
You find ways to spend more time around them.

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Nobody actually wants to spend extra time at work. So if you find yourself volunteering to stay late just because a certain someone is also working after hours, then you might have a little coworker crush on your hands.

5
You're not afraid to open up to them.

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Being vulnerable in front of someone is a sign that you feel comfortable around them. While many people hear the word "love" and think about sex and fun date nights, the best indication of true feelings is being willing to open your heart to someone.

6
You're becoming interested in their favorite things.

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You used to despise Eminem, but now "Without Me" is the most-played song on your Spotify. So why the sudden change?

You can try to convince yourself all you want that you've just discovered a newfound love for Hip-hop, but it's no coincidence that Eminem is also that person's favorite artist. And be careful if you notice your spouse picking up new hobbies or listening to new genres: This could be one of the 30 Subtle Signs Your Wife Is Cheating.

7
You actually care what they think about you.

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You know it's impossible to please everyone. But despite your best efforts, you take it all too personally when that special someone gets mad at you or criticizes something you do, because, for some reason, you actually value their opinion.

8
You constantly check your phone for new messages.

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Most people these days are glued to their phones, but everyone else's addictions pale in comparison to yours. Every ping you hear makes your body go into fight-or-flight mode, and you can't go more than five seconds without checking your phone (because there's always that possibility that they called or texted, and you don't want to keep them waiting). And if you're worried that you spend too much time on your device, try these 20 Genius Ways to Kill Time without a Smartphone.

9
You admit when you're wrong during arguments.

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Even the most reasonable person doesn't want to admit their mistakes during a heated argument. But during a debate with that special someone, you can't help but throw your ego and stubbornness aside in favor of compromise and resolution. Unfortunately, the same can't be said about fights with your partner.

10
You feel guilty hanging out with them.

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You shouldn't feel guilty just hanging out with a friend. Unless, of course, you have feelings for said friend. Emotional cheating—which is to say, falling in love with someone else—can sometimes feel even worse than physical cheating, and so every time you send a text to that person you're falling for, it's likely accompanied by an anxiety-producing sensation of secrecy and culpability. And to find out more ways you might be cheating without realizing it, read up on the 20 Social Media Habits That Are Technically Cheating.

11
You can't stop staring at them.

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If you find yourself constantly trying to get a glimpse of someone, it's possible that your eyes are fixating on that person because you're falling in love with them. We as human beings are naturally drawn to things that enthrall us, and eye contact is one of the most intimate acts there is.

12
You overanalyze everything they say to you.

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You show up to a brunch with friends, and that person smiles and says hi. Among platonic friends, this wouldn't even get a second thought, but to someone in love, every little detail warrants stressful overthinking.

Is that something they say to everyone, or were they flirting? You only care because you secretly want it to be the latter. And if overthinking is something you're overly familiar with, use these 12 Genius Tricks for Turning Anxiety into Excitement.

13
You feel protective over them.

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If they're just a friend, you're interest in their romantic life only goes so far. And let's be honest: The only reason you'd ever be overly invested in the dating life of someone other than your partner is because you secretly wish that person was dating you.

14
Your mood changes around them.

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Just being around someone you love is enough to turn a frown upside down. And if you find that spending time with someone other than your partner and your close pals brings you greater joy, it's more than likely that your feelings for this person are more than friendly.

15
And you miss them when they're MIA.

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Of course you don't admit you miss them out loud—that would make your spouse way too suspicious—but you still feel like something's missing whenever they're not around for long periods of time. And when you're finally reunited after weeks of separation, your heart feels whole once again… Even though your significant other has been with you the entire time.

16
You dress up when you know you're going to see them.

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Most people in long-term relationships don't generally give their outfits or overall appearance a second thought. But if you're in a relationship and the object of your affection isn't your spouse, you might find yourself paying closer attention to the clothes you wear, the makeup you put on, and the perfume you apply. After all, these things matter, especially when you're trying to woo someone.

17
You think of them when you hear love songs.

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The person that should come to mind when you hear a song about falling in love is your significant other—but if you're being honest with yourself, that's no longer the case. Now, songs like "Crazy In Love" and "Can't Help Falling in Love" bring to mind someone else, even though you know you shouldn't be thinking about them.

18
When they're sad, you're sad.

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Your best friend is going through a difficult time at work, and for some unexplained reason you're starting to feel depressed, too. The only reason you'd feel secondhand emotions this intensely for someone other than your partner is because you care immensely about their well-being, and because all you want is to see this person happy.

19
You compare your partner to them.

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Many couples dig themselves into a hole by comparing their relationship to other couples', but it's another problem entirely if you find yourself comparing your significant other to another person in your life. Not only will this highlight the "flaws" in your partner, but it's also a sign that you secretly want your partner to be that other person.

20
They make you want to be a better person.

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You've never had any serious interest in volunteering or making an impact, but now that you care about what "that" person thinks of you, you're making more of a conscious effort to give back to the community. Even on a day-to-day basis, you notice yourself trying to be nicer, because you want to be someone who's worthy of their love and affection. Kindness starts from the inside, so try these 50 Easy Ways to Be Nicer to Yourself.

21
You get nervous around them.

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Yes, as a grown man or woman. Feeling like you did walking the hallways of high school.

22
They drive you insane—but you love it.

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You can't stand the way they talk over you, and you hate how much they love football. But as much as their habits and hobbies drive you crazy, you can't help but love them all the same, because these quirks are just a part of what makes them who they are.

23
The chemistry between you is palpable.

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"Get a room, you two!"

You used to hear this all the time directed toward you and your partner, but now people are saying it about you and your "friend." If even your pals and coworkers are noticing the chemistry, then it might be time to admit that something is going on, so you can address the matter before it's too late.

24
You remember everything about them.

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Maybe you just have a good memory, or maybe you remember everything they tell you because you hang on their every word as if your life depends on it. Either way, if anyone ever writes a Jeopardy! category about them, you've certainly got it covered.

25
You had someone in mind while reading this article.

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If you read each and every slide of this article with a particular person in mind, then it might be time to admit that, yes, you're in love with someone else.

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