TFW you're falling in love 🩋 (2024)

If you’ve ever been in love, you might remember how absolutely terrifying it felt to realize this at the beginning. The knots in your stomach. đŸ˜”â€đŸ’« Playing out fake scenarios in your head. 🧠 Agonizing about whether or not they feel the same. đŸ˜© There’s a reason it’s called “falling in love” — it feels simultaneously exhilarating and vulnerable. But if you find that the other person feels the same, it’s a high unlike any other.

Creating a love story was one of the more sweet aspects of my writing process. I got the chance to build a beautifully complicated relationship that I wanted to make feel as real as possible. I got to feel the sensation of falling alongside my characters and put words to the rollercoaster of emotions. And I was able to remind myself of the pure feeling that love can be when it’s in those early stages. đŸ„°

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Given that my novel is a thriller and much of it is about the loss, grief, and other more dark themes, I needed to make the relationship feel like something worth losing (even if those memories were overly-romanticized by my the protagonist). One of the ways I did that was through a very special San Francisco landmark that served as a symbol for this “unconditional” love these characters felt for each other.

Which brings me to my new tattoo
 😛

TFW you're falling in love 🩋 (1)

Sutro Tower is a radio and TV antenna in San Francisco. It’s one of those distinct Bay Area landmarks — that’s much lesser known than things like the Golden Gate Bridge or Alcatraz — but is still extremely iconic for those that live here. It sits on a hill in the south-west end of the city and can be seen from nearly every neighborhood if you’ve got an unobstructed view. 🌁

Video by San Francisco Chronicle

I always knew that when I finally finished this book I was going to get this tattooed on me. It represents my love for San Francisco and commemorates the finishing of a major accomplishment.

In the book, Sutro Tower symbolizes loving someone even when they’re not with you. My main character’s first say they love each other when looking at the tower. And because Sutro Tower can be seen from nearly every area of the city, they are reminded of that night and there love everytime they see it. While this is sweet in the context of them being together, the tower’s meaning changes for my main character after the breakup.

Below I’ve included an excerpt from Chapter 10 of the book, that touches on this sweet memory before the meaning behind Sutro Tower changed for Tennessee. And as an added bonus, I’ve included a little playlist of songs that feel like falling in love too. 💕

An excerpt from Chp. 10 of A Place Between Dreams:

It was raining the night Sutro Tower got its meaning. Not the usual drizzle that comes through the city every few days in the early morning hours of winter, but a bad storm. A once-a-year type of storm that hits the Bay Area like a ton of bricks.

It was well past three in the morning and Tennessee’s truck was the only car on the road. The sky dumped inches of water in a matter of hours. Every storm drain and gutter they passed seemed to be overflowing. Tennessee could hardly see more than a few feet in front of him, even with the windshield wipers running at full speed.

At this point, things were getting serious with Lucy. They’d been seeing each other for a few months now. There were no longer questions lingering around about what exactly they were to each other or if either of them was seeing anyone else. Their relationship was at a turning point. It had become something real, and something he couldn’t live without.

He knew he was in love with her—though he hadn’t yet said it out loud. He didn’t know if she felt the same and he wasn’t ready to find out if she didn’t. He’d rather live in blissful ignorance than see this end too soon. So for the last few weeks, he carried his feelings close to his chest and did his best not to make them known.

There were a few times it almost slipped out. Like right when they woke up and her tired eyes met his or when she’d get up on her tip-toes to kiss him goodbye. Each time, he would bite the sides of his cheeks to stop himself when it almost came out.

But his actions weren’t so easy to control. The love he was hiding caused him to do such stupid things. Like this night, for example. He knew better than to be driving in this storm, especially as drunk as he was. He would have immediately shut down this ridiculous request if it came from anyone else. But he couldn’t say no to her.

Despite the rain, she sat up on the window with her whole body out in the wind, which splayed her hair out behind her. Her cropped pink T-shirt was soaked through and clung to her chest. Water splattered across the inside of the dashboard and all over the upholstery. She flung both her arms up above her and shouted things he couldn’t hear over the music and the whooshing sound of the wind.

Tennessee gripped the steering wheel tightly with his left hand and held her ankle with his right. He didn’t dare attempt to look over at her in the side-view mirror like he usually would. He needed to pay attention to every detail of the winding road while making sure she didn’t fall out of the truck.

A swirl of anxious thoughts ran through his mind about what could go wrong. A cop could pull them over. One of the truck’s tires could hydroplane and send them skidding across the road. They could hit a turn in just the wrong way and her whole body could go flying out the window and tumbling down the cliff side. There were so many terrible possibilities.

“It’ll be okay,” he said, his eyes laser-focused on the double yellow lines in front of him, trying his best not to swerve. “We’re almost there.”

When he could get past the panicked voice in his head, there was a small part of him— somewhere deep in the back of his mind—that enjoyed the rush of it all. The sense of adrenaline that came with the danger they’d put themselves in. He could feel her reckless, joyful energy and sensed it was rubbing off on him. It was the two of them against the world. Both the fear and excitement meshed into one burning fire of emotions in his stomach. It was like nothing he'd ever felt before.

A wave of relief came over him when she finally pulled herself back into the cab of the truck as they turned into the empty parking lot at the top of Twin Peaks. But before he could even put the car in park, Lucy was already outside. No jacket or umbrella. Just her, spinning in circles in the rain.

“What are you doing?” he yelled out the window.

“What are you doing?” she said, stopping mid-spin.

She walked over to the driver’s side and opened the door. “You can’t leave me all alone out here,” she pleaded, tugging at his arm. She stretched her wet arm across his lap, trying to unbuckle his seat belt that was just barely out of reach.

He shook his head as he watched her struggle, “You know, you make me do such stupid stuff.” He swatted her hand away and unbuckled himself to get out of the truck.

She beamed as she pulled him over toward the edge of the hillside. The spectacular view of the downtown skyscrapers and streetlights was blocked by the thick rain clouds. All he could make out of the city now was a distant, blurry haze that lit up the dark clouds with a white glow.

Music was still playing from the truck. She climbed up on the cement ledge and continued to dance and spin in the downpour, a small handbag swinging from her shoulder. He stood back with his hands in his jacket pockets and hoped that she wouldn’t ask him to follow her lead.

Soon, his clothes were just as soaked through as hers. Rainwater found its way into the seams of his boots and his socks grew soggier the longer he stood there. His jeans became heavy as more water seeped into the denim.

Tennessee couldn’t help but look at the darkness that Lucy was dancing dangerously close to, where the cliffside dropped off into nothing. His shoulders and knees began to tremble as he watched her feet get closer to the edge with each step she took.

“Can you please come back down here?” he asked, “You’ve had too much to drink. You’re going to fall down the hill.”

“There’s no such thing as too much to drink!” she said, still dancing to Lorde’s Green Light that was blasting from the speakers. “Besides, you’re afraid of heights—which means you’re afraid of falling, not afraid of me falling!”

“That’s not true,” he said, “I’d rather fall down this hill 100 times, than watch you fall down it even once.”

“Is that so?” she bent down toward him and grabbed onto the tops of his shoulders, “So you’re saying you’d fall for me?”

He responded without even thinking, “It’s too late for that. I already did.”

A pit opened up in his stomach as he realized what he just said. The alcohol made him forget to bite his cheeks. They both stood still. They both knew what he meant by that statement. He wanted to pull the words right out of the air, put them back in his mouth, and swallow them. But it was too late. He already said them. Even with the rush of wind against his ears, all he could focus on was the silence between them. Faint clouds from their exhales filled the space in the brisk air. Her face was stern and lifeless, as she scanned his face.

Her face said it all. She didn’t feel the same. He knew it. She didn’t need to say anything. He was an idiot to think someone like her could love someone like him.

She stepped down from the ledge, wrapping her arms around his back and wedged herself closely into his arms.

“I—uh—I’m sorry,” more words started to spew out of him uncontrollably. “I know you probably don’t—”

“I love you,” she said with wide eyes as water droplets fell from her lips.

His mind went blank and his body froze. There’s no way she actually just said that. Did he imagine it? How drunk was he? She couldn’t love him. There was no way.

After a few moments, her eyebrows furrowed and he could feel her body tense up beneath his arms.

“Uh
 are you gonna say it back?” she asked.

It was real. She did say it! She did love him!

He quickly snapped out of his doubtful haze. He wasn’t sure just how much time had passed, but long enough for her to sense some hesitation. He could finally tell her how he felt. He needed to speak—and he needed to do it now.

“I love you too, Lucy.” He pushed a wet strand of hair away from her forehead, “I have for a while now.”

“Oh, thank god,” she let out a big exhale and relaxed under his arms.

“I’ve known for a few weeks,” he could finally let out all the words and feelings he’d been holding in, “I didn’t want to say it too soon and screw this whole thing up. I didn’t think you felt the same.”

“I’ve known for weeks now too,” she said, a smile spread across her face. “Of course I feel the same. I can’t believe you let me beat you to it.”

It was like a weight had been lifted off of him. He no longer needed to hide his true feelings or bite his cheek. There was nothing for him to be afraid of anymore. He had everything he needed right there in his arms.

Just then, a gust of wind ripped through the night air and the rain started to come down even harder. Her eyes were glossy and her cheeks were bright red from the handful of tequila shots she took. Her face was warm as he grazed her cheek with his thumb. The clouds coming from their exhales disappeared the closer he pulled her in until there was no air left between their lips. She tasted like fresh rain and agave. As her hands crawled up his chest, his heart started to beat faster. His fingers traced down her spine until they landed on her lower back, while hers eventually interlaced behind his neck. He could feel her goosebumps from under her shirt.

She pulled away and whispered in his ear as she looked up over his shoulder, “No matter where we are, no matter how much time has passed, just look up at the tower and know that I’ll always love you.”

He turned his head to look up at Sutro Tower—its red lights twinkled against the dark sky. He couldn’t hold in the smile that spread across his face. His cheeks became flushed and a wall of tears formed in front of his eyes.

He nodded, “I’ll think of tonight every time I see it.” He pulled her closer, resting his head against her’s and using his wet sleeve to wipe his face.

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TFW you're falling in love 🩋 (2024)

FAQs

How to answer the question I love you? â€ș

Cute Responses To 'I Love You'
  1. You make me feel special.
  2. I like it when you talk like that.
  3. Keep talking!
  4. You are pretty cool yourself!
  5. You took the words out of my mouth.
  6. I want to hug you right now!
  7. I am in love with you.
  8. Show me how much.

How do you know you're in love answers? â€ș

How do you know when you're in love?
  • Your thoughts return to them regularly. ...
  • You feel safe with them. ...
  • Life feels more exciting. ...
  • You want to spend a lot of time together. ...
  • You feel a little jealous of other people in their life. ...
  • You feel compassion for them.

How do you say you're falling in love? â€ș

20 ways to say “I love you”
  1. K.I.S.S. Keep it simple, stupid! ...
  2. “I'm falling in love with you” Try dipping your toe first. ...
  3. “Your happiness makes me happy” ...
  4. “I appreciate you” ...
  5. “I get excited thinking about a future with you” ...
  6. “I want to share more of my life with you” ...
  7. “My life is better with you in it” ...
  8. “We make a great team”
Feb 1, 2024

How do you answer what made you fall in love with me? â€ș

the top 10 answers to such a question:
  1. "I love you because you make me feel happy and fulfilled."
  2. "I love you for who you are, with all of your strengths and weaknesses."
  3. "I love you because you inspire me to be a better person."
  4. "I love you because you are my partner, my best friend, and my confidant."
Oct 28, 2017

How to respond when a guy says he is falling for you? â€ș

  • “I appreciate you sharing how you feel - it's very brave, but I'm in a relationship.”
  • “Thanks for letting me know, I don't feel the same way but I hope you find what you're looking for.
  • “I'm pleased you let me know. I'm interested in you too and would like to explore.
Jul 12, 2017

How do you know a man is falling in love? â€ș

If a man maintains eye contact, shows physical affection, and has a relaxed posture around you, chances are he's falling for you! Equally, if you find your partner subconsciously mirroring your body language or posture, this may indicate a feeling of strong connection and camaraderie.

What are signs of being in love? â€ș

Here are a few of the common signs that you're falling in love.
  • You can't stop thinking about the person. ...
  • You know them better than anyone else. ...
  • You often think about a future with the person. ...
  • You prioritize spending time with them. ...
  • You feel safe. ...
  • You're more affectionate. ...
  • You feel actually on top of the world.
Feb 9, 2023

How do you say "I am falling in love with you"? â€ș

With words:

"My feelings for you are deepening, and I am starting to fall in love with you." "You mean the world to me, and I appreciate you in my life." "I can't imagine you not being in my life." "I want to share more and more of my life with you every day."

What makes a guy fall in love? â€ș

According to love biologist Dawn Maslar, the chemicals dopamine and vasopressin are vital for a man to start falling in love, whereas it's oxytocin and dopamine for women. Oxytocin, often nicknamed the love or cuddle hormone, also plays an important role in men, but at a later stage.

When a guy is falling for you? â€ș

If a guy is falling for you, he wants you to be part of his life. That's why he may make big efforts to include you in the things that mean most to him. It could be hobbies that he invites you to participate in. It could be hanging out with his friends, or even meeting his family.

What is the best answer for Do you love me? â€ș

A sincere response is always the best approach. If you love the person, expressing your feelings honestly and openly can strengthen your bond. You might say something like, "Yes, I do love you," and perhaps elaborate on why or how you feel that way.

How do you respond to I fell in love with you? â€ș

Give them an idea of how much you love them: "I love you, too. I've never felt this way about anyone and I couldn't imagine loving anyone more." If you want, make a sweet joke, too: "I'm sorry, could you say that again?

How do you answer what is love to you? â€ș

10 People Explain What Love Means to Them
  • Love is Security.
  • Love is Indescribable.
  • Love is About Give-and-Take.
  • Love is Respect.
  • Love is Being In-Sync.
  • Love is Commitment.
  • For Couples in Long-Term Relationships, Love is:
  • Love is Accepting their Flaws.

How do I reply to "I love you"? â€ș

Alternative Responses To I Love You
  1. I am so lucky to have your love in my life.
  2. I am so happy that we take out time to be with each other.
  3. You embody everything that I was looking for.
  4. I love you too much, and I cannot live without you on this planet.
Mar 11, 2024

What is your answer if I say I love you? â€ș

My response would depend on the context of the situation and the relationship I have with you. If it's a friend, I would likely just say “I love you too.” However, if it's someone I'm in a relationship with, I would likely respond with something more intimate and heartfelt.

How to answer a question do you love me? â€ș

"I love you as I love myself—you are part of me." "More than words can say." "If I loved you more, my heart would burst."

How can I explain you that I love you? â€ș

How to tell someone you love them without saying, “I love you”
  • My life is enriched by your presence in it.
  • I'm significantly better off for having met you.
  • You make me want to be better than I am.
  • I'd be sad if you weren't around.
  • You're important to me, and I don't take knowing you for granted.
Jun 14, 2021

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