How can I differentiate love and affection?

You can’t, this early in the game. Love and friendship are like evolution – you have to see how things develop. You can’t label them too early because you don’t know how things will evolve.

Don’t overanalyze.

Affection is love. Friendship is love. Romantic love… Well, in the famous words of the obscenity trial, “I can’t define it, but I know it when I see it”.

Don’t worry about labels. Just feel your feelings as they come. If they become romantic feelings, you’ll know it.

Of course you have a lot of affection for her, she is your BEST friend and affection is often the first step toward love. Affection is a kind of interaction between people while love is a much deeper feeling or commitment toward another. It includes a desire to become physically intimate with another.

So, I have to ask what you mean by romantic feelings. Are you, or do you think you may have, a sexual attraction to her? Do you want to share more intimate, physical moments with her or are you just wanting more face time?

Either way, doesn’t really matter. What matters is that you know what is in your own heart. When you are certain of your own feelings, then it is time to express these feelings. Tell the person how you feel. Speak openly and honestly. Give her a chance to respond but remember it is best to express romantic feelings without expectations of receiving the same feelings back from her, as that situation could lead to disappointment.

Love isn’t something that just is. It’s a choice.

First you’ll have to define what each one is and all the different aspects/definitions there are and which ones apply to you. I think you have lustful feelings for somebody, and your friend just happens to be handy. Best to discuss it with her honestly. If she is a true friend, she’ll stick with you one way or the other.

@Apparently_Im_The_Grumpy_One Love is a choice?? That would explain the comment one of my past co-workers made about his wife. When they met, he figured “She’ll do.” (What an insult!) True love, real love is not a choice. It hits you like a runaway freight train and kicks your ass! You don’t have a choice!

To find out what true love is you have to watch The Princess Bride.