Are You a Hopeless Romantic? Here are the Signs

Neglect of needs – “This might look like canceling plans with a friend or skipping a yoga class for a date,” says therapist Alison McKleroy.

guided by fate – “The idea of ​​fate guides their decisions; They believe love is predestined or written in the stars,” says dating expert Jasmine Diaz.

Ignoring red flags – “Hopeless romantics can sometimes overlook problems that they believe can be fixed or are just a matter of luck,” says Goldberg. Harrison agrees: “They can miss a person’s problematic, hurtful, reserved, and insincere qualities.”

refuse to think – “Hopeless romantics are hyperfocused on the potential for a beautiful future and don’t like to dwell on the past,” says licensed therapist Priya Rednam-Waldo.

waiting for eternity calcification – “They may believe that the perfect match is one whose sparks are immediate and never fade away,” says Goldberg.

I’m just talking about love – “Love is always the subject; It’s all they talk about, think about, and dream about. Friendships can become one-sided,” says certified addiction and trauma counselor Audrey Hope.

How can I stop being a hopeless romantic?

It’s important to remember that being a hopeless romantic is only negative if it causes distress or derails your life. So the question isn’t really whether you should stop being a romantic idealist, but how you can better balance your expectations with reality. “The key lies in how this romantic perspective affects a person’s life and relationships,” says Paruolo. “Does it inspire personal growth and a deeper appreciation for love, or does it lead to repeated disappointments?”

If the answer drifts towards the latter, you probably need to re-center. Take time to identify the beliefs behind your behavior. “It’s important to ask yourself why you’re seeking love and approval from a romantic partner,” advises Haywood Stewart. “If the answer is too much for you to handle on your own, seek therapy. This can help you focus on yourself and improve your relationships with others.

As with many matters of the heart, the old adage of loving yourself before loving someone else holds true here. “The foundation of a strong relationship with another person begins with building a strong relationship with yourself,” says Rednam-Waldo.

After all, real life and love can be complicated, and the people we care about are often flawed and always complicated; just like us. Everyone deserves a partner who sees them as they truly are, not just through a cinematic lens. “Relationships are work, not just passion and fireworks,” says psychotherapist Fatemeh Farahan. “Instead of chasing big, exciting moments, start looking for love in small, everyday actions. This is where the magic really happens. Love is not a constant whirlwind; It is built brick by brick through trust, effort and mutual respect.