Behavior Expert Shares Four Clear Signs You've Found True Love Ahead of Tu B'Av

Ahead of the Jewish holiday Tu B'Av, behavioral researcher Dr. Liraz Margalit shared advice on increasing the chances of success in a first date and warned against prolonged digital messaging before meeting. She explained that extended texting, often lasting three to six weeks, can lead people to build unrealistic fantasies about each other, resulting in disappointment when expectations meet reality. Dr. Margalit recommends arranging an in-person meeting as soon as possible, preferably an active date like a walk, to avoid the discomfort that can come from sitting face-to-face, which she likened to a job interview.

During the date, she advises paying attention to key indicators that reveal a person's true character beyond attempts to impress. One critical sign is how they treat service workers, as it reflects behavior when not trying to make an impression. She also suggests avoiding sharing heavy personal or intimate information early on, leaving complex topics for future dates to allow the relationship to develop gradually.

Dr. Margalit outlined four clear signs that a relationship is becoming meaningful: an immediate desire to share all experiences with the partner, the development of inside jokes and private humor indicating a unique shared world, the use of affectionate nicknames, and attention to small personal details such as how one drinks their coffee. Together, these signs create a shared inner world of closeness, humor, and deep understanding where partners feel free to be themselves.

She concluded that the true test of a relationship is the ability to remove all masks and defenses, creating a safe space where partners can be authentic, playful, and uninhibited.