In the beginning stages of a new relationship, determining how connected you are to each other can be tricky. Maybe you’re questioning if you’re really connected to your partner, or if he or she is as invested as you are in the relationship. Maybe you’ve hit it off physically, but you’re wondering if there’s more between you.

Is there a way to tell if your connection is real?

Instead of focusing on whether a connection is real with your partner, consider the depth and width of the connection you have. Think about the main areas where partners can connect: physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially. 

In how many areas do you share a connection with your partner? How strong is the connection in each area? Where is connection lacking?

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If you want real, undeniable love, you must connect in these five ways:

1. You can connect on an emotional level

A healthy emotional connection means that you have the ability and willingness to SHARE your feelings with each other — especially the more vulnerable ones such as sadness, fear, shame, or loneliness. If you’re not vulnerable with each other in this way, your relationship may have some growing to do, or you may be dating someone who is not emotionally expressive.

Remember that the first several months of a relationship may feel ecstatic, full of INTENSE feelings for one another. However, this feeling is likely induced by the feel-good chemicals in your brain that is released when you’re falling in love with someone. A strong, solid emotional connection takes time and effort. 

A strong emotional connection must also be reciprocal. If you feel intense feelings toward them, but you sense they don’t feel the same way, you may not have the connection you need for a healthy relationship.

Having open, authentic conversations about how you feel about the relationship and each other will help you determine if there’s a true emotional connection.

2. You build social connections in a similar way

How do you relate to each other socially? How do you relate to the world as individuals and as a couple? Sharing mutual interests in activities, hobbies, and lifestyles can help in building a healthy social connection.

Do you spend time doing these activities together and actually enjoy each other’s company? Do you spend time with your partner’s friends and family?

Social connection can also be determined by how you relate to each other. If one of you is more introverted and the other is more extroverted, it can be a good complement and balance for the relationship — or it can create a disconnection. Evaluate how you relate to each other and to the outside world. If you feel like you can be good friends, you’re in luck!

3. You think and process things similarly

Do you think alike? If you’re a rocket scientist dating someone who doesn’t think in analytical, intellectual ways, you might be bored with your discussions.

Finding an intellectual match can help connect you with both conversation and interests. 

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4. Your chemistry is undeniable

Physical chemistry is really important. Sometimes, this may be the only connection or at least the INITIAL connection you have with someone.

If the connection is lacking in other areas, you may worry about whether this is all there is with your partner. It's great to connect on a physical level, but if this is all there is, the connection may not feel authentic or secure for you.

5. You feel like you're meant to be together

Have you met a kindred spirit? Depending on your spiritual beliefs or faith, this could be an important piece of connection in a relationship.

If you feel a deeper level of connection with this partner that seems to have had some divine intervention, you may be with each other for a reason. It’s not uncommon for people to feel like fate or faith brought them together.

The connection is multi-layered. Depending on who you are and what you need in a relationship, there can be other areas you need to feel connected to someone.

If you’re looking for a long-term relationship, the better the quality and quantity of connections you have, the better chance you have for a successful relationship.

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Chelli Pumphrey is a love strategist and a therapist with 20+ years of experience.

This article was originally published at Meet Mindful. Reprinted with permission from the author.