There is only one test for love, and that test is going through a time of crisis. I’m not talking about a “Gee, honey, I locked my keys in the car, can you give me a ride?” crisis; I speak of a deep crisis—a health crisis, the death of someone close to you, or a period when you bottom out.
If someone is serious about you, they won’t run away from this; that will be the last thing on their mind. They will be present. They wouldn’t dream of leaving your side. Moreover, they will be there because they really want to, not because they feel obligated. Many couples don’t get tested for a long time—years, sometimes. Then the unthinkable happens, and… skid marks.
I wish there were any other way, but that is the ultimate test of loyalty. See, it’s easy to stay when everything is nice and lovely and things are on the uptick. But staying when things get really hard takes a person with good problem-solving skills. Takes a person of character.
Until then, you cannot know if someone is in love with you or really loves you.
