Falling in love is a universal human experience, yet its timing, process and emotional response vary hugely for every person.
Despite this, as a society, we are obsessed with the notion of love at first sight and what relationship milestones we should be hitting each decade.
So, while there is no definitive answer to the question ‘how long it takes to fall in love’, plenty of research has been conducted on the subject.
At Ignite Dating, we firmly believe that love isn’t confined by time but this doesn’t mean it can’t be helpful to understand the science-backed insights on how long it takes to form a bond with someone new.
This is especially true when you’re dating, enabling you to recognise if you’re going too fast or perhaps if your partner is going too slow and may not be ready to commit.
So, how long does it actually take to fall in love?
There is no one right answer to how long it takes to fall in love. Everyone is different, and there are many factors that can impact how quickly you make that connection with someone and how soon you’re ready to express those feelings.
However, lots of studies have been conducted over the years, and a particularly in-depth study from 2013 found that the average couple will confess their love between 88 days (for men) and 134 days (for women).
That’s right, these findings also show that there is a distinct difference between men and women and how quickly each sex falls in love.
Who typically says ‘I love you’ first?
Multiple studies indicate that men typically fall in love more quickly than women. In fact, a recent study from 2025 found that men fall in love almost twice as fast as women.
Based on the findings published in Biology of Sex Differences, the mean love progression score for females was 1.92 months, compared to 0.98 months in males, indicating that men fall in love almost twice as quickly.
The study also found that despite the outdated stereotypes of women being emotional partners and men having a tough exterior, males are also likely to fall in love slightly more often than females do.
Does love at first sight exist?
The notion of love at first sight is romantic but contentious, though an impressive 70% of people say that they believe in this phenomenon.
However, over the years, psychology and medical professionals have suggested that what is often perceived as love at first is more likely to be immediate physical attraction rather than a real, deep emotional connection.
Therefore, while people might feel a strong, immediate connection, developing true love typically requires time and deeper understanding, even if it is just a couple of months.
This is also backed by science, which found there are three key stages to falling in love: lust, attraction and attachment. Each stage is driven by different brain chemicals and hormones. These stages can vary in duration and may overlap based on the unique nature of every relationship.
Just remember, time doesn’t (and shouldn’t) limit love
While scientific studies can provide general guidelines, it’s so important to remember that love doesn’t adhere to a strict schedule.
Some people may fall in love quickly, while others may take their time developing deep, meaningful connections.
Factors such as personal experience, emotional readiness and individual differences will play a significant role in how and when love develops. So don’t rush yourself (or your partner) and don’t worry about checking off those invisible boxes on your relationship timeline. It’s better to let these connections develop naturally.
And if you’re still looking for love right now, then why not let the Ignite Dating team help? Our services are backed by science too (MBTI and FIRO) and accredited Science Based Coaches along with an expert team and years of industry experience. So, get in touch today to find out how we can help you on your dating journey.
