[Dingbat]

Sometimes everything falls into place and love happens so fast, and sometimes it builds over time. How quickly have you fallen in love?

[Fr_Chuck]

Love takes at least 20 years, lust and friendship starts it, It will start growing from the early stages, but deep true love is not something you fall into, it is something that takes a lot of hard work

[kp2171]

I respect fr's opinions, but I really, really disagree that love takes 20 years... though ask me again in another 13 yrs after I've hit my 20th anniv... maybe ill change my mind. ;)

The problem is the definition of love. I loved a girl when I was 17. I loved another when I was 24. As you grow older, you understand the difference between infatuation and love. But that doesn't mean you didn't love at 17. You loved to the capacity you had.

Not that infatuation or "puppy love" is bad or wrong. As a child you are (hopefully) told about being loved... caring. And that idea grows and changes over time. So can a 17 year old love? Sure. But usually in a "limited way"...

More experience and understanding can help you temper the hormones and begin to see when there is something that is different.

So... the problem with your question is that love takes many forms. I think when you are younger you are more prone to falling in love faster because you haven't experienced anything like it before. When you are older you might understand the difference between "deep like" (or lust) and love. I sincerely love my wife (10 year relationship, 7+ year marriage... I guess I'm ahead of the curve) but I didn't love her in the first year of dating. I liked her a lot, but I was old enough and experienced enough to know love was still to come.

So sorry. I can't tell how long it "should" take. There just isn't a script.

[LuvMyMaltipoo]

If I could 'rate your answer' again kp I would! Well said!

[Rina _4]

Love takes at least 20 years, lust and friendship starts it, It will start growing from the early stages, but deep true love is not something you fall into, it is something that takes alot of hard work

I agree with Chuck. You can only fall in love when you are getting to KNOW the person.

[JoeCanada76]

Love takes at least 20 years, lust and friendship starts it, It will start growing from the early stages, but deep true love is not something you fall into, it is something that takes alot of hard work

Father Chuck,

You said it the best. I agree with you and feel the same way.

Joe

[amylove]

Takes hard work and is an emotional rollacoster at least 4-5 years at least

[Moomin]

How long is a piece of string?

Though don't forget some people believe in love at first sight!
My opinion is that you both need to be feeling the same, love (obviously) does not work if it is one sided!

[Squiffy]

I think it depends on the persons involved. I have fallen into 'love' very quickly, but really it was just lust. Sometimes not even that! I was with my current partner for a year before I realised I actually loved him, and I think you know from the feelings you have. I also don't agree that love takes hard work, maintaining a loving relationship can take a lot of work and dedication, especially when things get tough, but true love shouldn't need to be worked at, it's a feeling not an action.

[Hinata1354]

Um I fell in love sense I was 5 or 4 when I turned 10 I felt even more in love with a guy but he didn't notice.god why do people fall in love so quickly.I keep thinking inappropriate things (perverted)ugh OK here what I think when someone falls in love quickly:if a person falls in love at a young age they might think (the person cute,amazing,sweet,or because of their charms)some people want to know what a kiss feels like (I have know idea yet) but if you get closer to the person you might get one.(im not good with this sort of thing)too tell you the truth I'm totally shy that is really tough (part if shy)ok if you got this. Then (good luck)