what is the difference between love and infatuation essay

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Infatuation vs. Love: How Can You Tell the Difference?

Barbara is a writer and speaker who is passionate about mental health, overall wellness, and women's issues.

Dr. Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and a professor at Yeshiva University’s clinical psychology doctoral program.

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• What Are the Differences Between Infatuation and Love?

What Are the Signs of Infatuation and Love?

• Can Infatuation Turn Into Love?
• How to Stay Infatuated With Your Partner—In a Healthy Way

People sometimes confuse infatuation and love. If you’re in a new romantic relationship and you don’t know the person well, but you think they’re perfect and you have intense feelings for them, you’re likely infatuated. When you are committed to someone on a deep level, you are comfortable together and there is mutual intimacy, trust and respect, you are likely in love.

What Are the Differences Between Infatuation and Love?

How do you know if it’s real love or short-lived passion ? There are a number of clues. You can’t fully be in both states at the same time, although it is possible to experience both in the same relationship.

At the beginning of a relationship, if you’re mesmerized by the new person or  believe you’ve experienced love at first sight , odds are you are infatuated. When you’re enthralled by romance and the fantasy of who this person is, you’re infatuated.

Infatuation is marked by euphoria , irrational feelings, lust , and shallowness. Some people claim they’re lovesick and their heart races one minute, then they’re down and depressed the next. They lose sleep or have no appetite . During infatuation, you might also have an increased heart rate and feel both aroused and anxious due to the release of norepinephrine.

But when you’re in love, you are seeing life through a different lens. There's a calm knowing and a bond. You’ve gotten to know the good and the bad about your partner, and your partner knows the genuine you.

Healthy relationships consist of couples who have open communication, honesty, respect, affection and devotion to their partners, which is what you have when you’re in love. If you’ve cultivated a healthy attachment, then you’re truly in the love state.

Interestingly, those in love often also have a wonderful friendship. Scientific research on the value of friendship within romantic relationships found that partners who specifically valued their friendship were more affectionate , committed and supportive of their significant others than those who didn’t consider themselves friends.

Study results revealed that valuing this friendship component of a relationship is a strong positive predictor of love, sexual gratification, and romantic commitment.

If you want to distinguish between both emotional states, here’s a good place to start. These are signs that you’re infatuated with someone:

• You tell your friends you’re head-over-heels in love.
• You quickly end up craving the person and maybe even become obsessed.
• You’re dazed, overthinking all the time and anxious without them.
• You have physical manifestations like sweaty palms and a nervous stomach.
• You create fantasies in your mind about being with them.
• You have an idealized vision of the person and believe they’re perfect.
• You have a superficial relationship.

You’ll notice that each of the following indications for love are the opposite of those listed above for infatuation. See this list below to determine common signs of love :

• You tell your friends you are serious about this person.
• Your feelings develop slowly.
• You feel content with this person and at ease when they’re not around.
• Although you’re happy to see them, you don’t get nervous, anxious or confused.
• You create real-life scenarios about your future together.
• You have a realistic vision of the person and love them despite their faults and imperfections.
• You have a deep relationship based on shared intimacy, vulnerability and trust .

Superficial

You view your partner as perfect

You see your partner's best side

You feel insecure

You feel excited and obsessed

You have high-flying feelings

You idealize/fantasize

You don't know if the relationship is temporary

You view your partner as human

You see your partner as a whole person

You feel secure

You feel safe and supported

You have peaceful, content feelings

You are realistic

You commit to making the relationship last

Can Infatuation Turn Into Love?

Infatuation can be the first stage of love. That doesn’t mean everyone, however, needs to experience the adrenaline rush of infatuation before progressing to love. If you are in the infatuation phase, however, rest assured that it can lead to a more stable and mature state later on.

The problem is that some people love to feel the passionate high of being infatuated. They become addicted to exciting beginnings and the infatuation stage. Let’s face it. When you don’t know a person yet, you’ve embarked on an exhilarating adventure. Love can become addictive in the same way that drugs are addictive. Love addiction, which isn’t really about true love, is a dysfunctional modality.

In research that included 300 participants who were in romantic relationships, scientists analyzed factors associated with love addiction, paying particular attention to adult attachment patterns and self-esteem. Participants completed an online survey including the Love Addiction Inventory-Short form, Relationship Questionnaire, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.

Results showed significant and positive associations between fearful adult attachment and love addiction. These relationships were also completely mediated by self-esteem .

If you want to move past infatuation into love, you have to be willing to slow down and go deeper. You’ll need to be open, to share vulnerabilities and weaknesses and let go of the fantasies. Once you get to know who your partner truly is and you let them know who you really are, you might find yourself falling in love.

How to Stay Infatuated With Your Partner—In a Healthy Way

In authentic love, you share your values, hopes, and dreams with your significant other. You can rely on one another during crises and cheer each other on during good times. You can be comfortable with each other and devoted to the relationship for the long haul.

That doesn’t mean you can’t stay infatuated with your partner, too. You can still spice your relationship up and keep it exciting. There are some surprising ways to improve your relationship like going on adventurous dates and choosing to have novel experiences that will remind you of your days of infatuation.

Explore physical and non-physical ways to increase sexual intimacy . Focus your time on sexual chemistry , role-playing and fantasy. You can also reminisce about your love story including how you first met and when you first felt attraction for your partner. Strolls down memory lane can remind you of your connection and reignite your passion.

VanderDrift LE, Wilson JE, Agnew CR. On the benefits of valuing being friends for nonmarital romantic partners.  Journal of Social and Personal Relationships . 2013;30(1):115-131.

Gori A, Russo S, Topino E. Love Addiction, Adult Attachment Patterns and Self-Esteem: Testing for Mediation Using Path Analysis .  J Pers Med . 2023;13(2):247. Published 2023 Jan 29. doi:10.3390/jpm13020247

By Barbara Field Barbara is a writer and speaker who is passionate about mental health, overall wellness, and women's issues.

Psychologily

Infatuation vs. Love: Understanding the Differences and Avoiding Heartbreak

As humans, we all crave connection and intimacy. However, in terms of infatuation vs. love, it’s easy to confuse the two, especially in the early stages of a relationship. While both emotions can be intense and exciting, they are fundamentally different. Understanding infatuation and love can help us build healthier and more fulfilling relationships.

Infatuation is often characterized by intense attraction and excitement but is typically short-lived. It’s based on idealizing the other person and projecting our desires onto them. Infatuation is focused on physical attraction and the rush of emotions that come with it. On the other hand, love is a more profound and enduring emotion involving a genuine connection with the other person. It’s based on mutual respect, trust, and a willingness to work through challenges together.

Understanding Infatuation

Infatuation is an intense attraction towards someone, often characterized by an obsessive desire to be with the person. It is often mistaken for love, but the two have significant differences. In this section, we will explore the characteristics of infatuation and its impacts.

Characteristics of Infatuation

Infatuation is often characterized by the following:

• Intense attraction toward someone
• Idealizing the person and overlooking their flaws
• Obsessive thoughts about the person
• A desire to be with the person at all times
• Anxiety and fear of rejection
• A feeling of euphoria when around the person
• A tendency to ignore red flags in the relationship

Infatuation is often short-lived and tends to fade quickly. It is also often based on physical attraction and a desire for validation and attention.

Impacts of Infatuation

Infatuation can have both positive and negative impacts on our lives. On the positive side, it can lead to feelings of excitement and happiness. It can also motivate us to pursue the person we are infatuated with.

On the negative side, infatuation can lead to disappointment and heartbreak. It can also cause us to overlook red flags in the relationship and make poor decisions. Infatuation can also distract from other important aspects of our lives, such as work and friendships.

Understanding Love

Love is a complex emotion that is difficult to define. It is often described as deep affection and attachment towards someone. However, love can take many forms and be experienced differently. In this section, we will explore love’s characteristics and their impacts on our lives.

Characteristics of Love

Several critical features often characterize love. These include:

• Commitment:  Love involves a strong commitment to another person. This can take many forms, such as a romantic or commitment to a family member or friend.
• Trust:  Love is built on trust. When we love someone, we trust them and believe in their integrity.
• Respect:  Love involves a deep respect for another person. This means valuing their thoughts, feelings, and opinions.
• Empathy :  Love requires empathy. We must understand and relate to the emotions and experiences of the person we love.
• Selflessness :  Love often involves putting another person’s needs before our own. This means being willing to make sacrifices for the person we love.

Impacts of Love

Love can have a profound impact on our lives. It can bring us joy, happiness, and fulfillment. It can also be challenging and require us to work through difficult situations. Some of the impacts of love include:

• Improved mental health:  Love can improve our mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also give us a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
• Stronger relationships:  Love can strengthen our relationships with others. It can help us to build deeper connections and create a sense of community.
• Increased resilience:  Love can make us more resilient in adversity. We can better cope with challenges when we have someone to lean on during difficult times.
• Greater sense of well-being:  Love can improve our overall sense of well-being. It can make us feel happier, more content, and more satisfied with our lives.

Comparison between Infatuation vs. Love

When it comes to romantic relationships, it is essential to understand the differences between infatuation and love. While both can be intense and passionate, they are different. Here are some of the key differences between infatuation and love:

Emotional Differences

Intense feelings of passion and excitement often characterize infatuation. It can feel like a rush of emotions that takes over your body and mind. However, these feelings are often based on superficial factors like physical attraction or a desire for companionship. In contrast, love is a more profound and lasting emotion based on a strong connection and mutual respect between two people. Love involves security, trust, and emotional intimacy beyond physical attraction.

Duration Differences

Infatuation is often short-lived and intense, while love is a more enduring emotion that can last a lifetime. Infatuation is often fueled by the excitement of something new and the thrill of the chase. However, once the initial infatuation wears off, people may find that they are no longer interested in the other person. Conversely, love is a more stable and enduring emotion that can withstand the ups and downs of a long-term relationship.

Decision Making Differences

When infatuated with someone, we may make impulsive and irrational decisions based on our emotions. We may overlook red flags or warning signs and make choices outside our best interest. In contrast, love involves a more rational and thoughtful decision-making approach. We consider the long-term consequences of our actions and make choices that align with our values and goals.

While infatuation can be exciting and passionate, it is often short-lived and based on superficial factors. On the other hand, love is a more profound and lasting emotion based on a strong connection and mutual respect between two people. Understanding the differences between these two emotions can help us make more informed decisions about our relationships and find long-lasting happiness with our partners.

The transition from Infatuation to Love

As discussed earlier, intense feelings of attraction and excitement often characterize infatuation, but it is not sustainable. However, it can lead to love if nurtured and developed over time. The transition from infatuation to love is a gradual process requiring both partners’ patience and effort.

One of the key differences between infatuation and love is the depth of emotional connection. Infatuation often focuses on physical attraction and excitement, while love involves a deeper emotional connection and attachment. During the transition from infatuation to love, couples develop a stronger emotional bond beyond physical attraction.

Communication is a crucial aspect of the transition from infatuation to love. As couples spend more time together, they learn more about each other’s values, goals, and interests. Open and honest communication is essential for building a strong foundation for a lasting relationship. It allows couples to express their feelings, needs, and concerns and work together to solve any problems.

Another critical factor in the transition from infatuation to love is the development of trust and commitment. As couples grow closer, they begin to rely on each other more and build a sense of trust and security. This trust is essential for creating a stable and healthy relationship.

The transition from infatuation to love requires a willingness to work through challenges and conflicts. No relationship is perfect, and couples will inevitably encounter disagreements and obstacles. However, couples committed to each other and willing to work through these challenges can build a stronger and more resilient relationship.

Misconceptions and Myths

When it comes to love and infatuation, there are many myths and misconceptions that can lead to confusion and heartache. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ones:

• Myth: There is only one true love.  This is a common myth perpetuated by movies and romance novels. The truth is that there are many people we can love deeply and sincerely in different ways and at different times in our lives. We are capable of loving more than one person at a time, and that doesn’t diminish the love we feel for each individual.
• Myth: Love conquers all.  While love can be a powerful force, it is not a magic solution to all problems. Incompatibility, differing values, and other issues can still arise even in the most loving relationships. It’s essential to have open communication and work through challenges together.
• Myth: Infatuation is the same as love.  Infatuation is often mistaken for love, but it is a temporary and intense attraction that is based on idealization and projection. On the other hand, love is a more profound and more enduring connection built on mutual respect, trust, and understanding.
• Myth: Love is always easy.  Love requires effort and commitment, and it’s not always easy. There will be times when disagreements arise or when we have to make sacrifices for our partners. But the rewards of a strong and healthy relationship are worth the effort.

Understanding these myths and misconceptions can give us a more realistic and healthy view of love and infatuation. Love is a complex and multifaceted emotion, and building and maintaining a strong and lasting connection with someone takes time and effort.

How to Differentiate Between Infatuation and Love

When we are attracted to someone, it can be challenging to determine whether we are experiencing infatuation or love. Here are a few key differences to help us differentiate between the two:

Emotional Intensity

Intense emotions, such as euphoria and excitement, often characterize infatuation. We may feel like we are on top of the world when we are around someone we are infatuated with. In contrast, love is characterized by a more stable emotional state. We may feel happy and content with our loved ones but are not constantly experiencing extreme emotions.

Infatuation tends to be short-lived, while love can last long. Infatuation may only last a few weeks or months, whereas love can last for years or even a lifetime. If our feelings for someone fade quickly, we are likely infatuated rather than in love.

Focus on Self vs. Focus on the Other Person

Infatuation is often focused on ourselves and our own needs and desires. We may be more concerned with how the other person makes us feel rather than their well-being. In contrast, love involves a focus on the other person. We care about their happiness and well-being and are willing to make sacrifices to ensure their happiness.

Physical Attraction vs. Emotional Connection

Infatuation is often based on physical attraction and lust. We may be drawn to someone because of their appearance or sexual appeal. In contrast, love is based on an emotional connection. We feel a deep connection with the other person and are drawn to them because of who they are as a person.

One-Sided vs. Mutuality

Infatuation is often one-sided, with one person having strong feelings for another person who may not feel the same way. In contrast, love is mutual, with both people having strong feelings for each other. If we are the only ones with strong emotions in the relationship, we are likely experiencing infatuation rather than love.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of love.

There are various types of love, and they are categorized based on the nature of the relationship. Some of the common types of love include romantic love, platonic love, familial love, and self-love. Romantic love is characterized by passion, intimacy, and commitment, while platonic love is non-sexual and non-romantic. Familial love is the love between family members, and self-love is the love for oneself.

Can infatuation develop into love?

Yes, infatuation can develop into love over time. Infatuation is often characterized by intense attraction and desire, but it lacks the depth and commitment that love requires. As you get to know someone better, your feelings may evolve into a deeper and more meaningful connection.

How can you tell if someone is infatuated with you?

Some signs that someone is infatuated with you may include excessive attention, jealousy, and idealizing you. Infatuation is often characterized by intense desire and attraction, but it may lack the depth and commitment that love requires. If you suspect someone is infatuated with you, it’s essential to communicate clearly and set boundaries.

What are the similarities between love and infatuation?

Love and infatuation may share similarities, such as intense attraction and desire. However, love is characterized by a deeper and more meaningful connection that involves intimacy, commitment, and respect. Infatuation is often more focused on physical attraction and may need more depth and commitment than love requires.

How long does infatuation typically last?

Infatuation may last for a few weeks or months, but it typically fades over time. As the initial excitement and passion wear off, you may begin to see the other person more realistically and recognize their flaws and imperfections. If you want to develop a deeper and more meaningful connection, moving beyond infatuation and building a strong foundation of trust, respect, and commitment is essential.

What is the difference between infatuation and a crush?

Infatuation and a crush may share similarities, such as intense attraction and desire. However, a crush is often more focused on a specific person or situation, while infatuation may be more general and less distinct. Additionally, a crush may be more short-lived and less intense than infatuation.

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Infatuation vs Love: A Comprehensive Guide to Differentiate

• Understanding Infatuation and Love
• Key Differences Between Infatuation and Love
• Nature : Infatuation is often characterized by irrational feelings, euphoria, and lust. Love, in contrast, involves mutual respect, affection, and commitment.
• Longevity : Infatuation is usually short-lived, while love tends to last longer, strengthening over time.
• Depth : Infatuation is often superficial, fueled by an idealized perception of the partner. Love, however, embraces the partner's flaws and virtues, leading to a deeper connection.
• Identifying Signs of Infatuation and Love

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• Signs of Infatuation
• Expressing extreme passion for the person to friends
• Developing an obsession quickly
• Experiencing anxiety when apart from the person
• Physical symptoms like sweaty palms and a nervous stomach
• Creating idealized fantasies about being with the person
• Viewing the person as perfect
• Maintaining a surface-level relationship
• Signs of Love
• Expressing serious intentions about the person to friends
• Slow development of feelings
• Feelings of contentment and ease when apart from the person
• Absence of nervousness, anxiety, or confusion when meeting the person
• Creating realistic scenarios about the future together
• Accepting the person's faults and imperfections
• Deep relationship based on shared intimacy, vulnerability, and trust
• Can Infatuation Evolve into Love?
• Maintaining Infatuation in a Healthy Romantic Relationship
• The Role of Friendship in Love
• Love Addiction: The Dark Side of Infatuation
• Moving Beyond Infatuation to Love
• Rekindling Infatuation in Long-term Relationships

Medically Reviewed by Gaston Molina, Clinical Psychologist & Therapist

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Sylvia and her partner Kartikey received advanced training directly under Dr. Paul Lam, a world-renowned Tai Chi & Qi Gong exponent and a family physician from Australia. Sylvia and Kartikey started their Tai Chi & Qi Gong journey when they were working as IT professionals and Architect respectively in Singapore. The immense benefits they themselves gained from the practice of Tai Chi & Qi Gong inspired them to travel to Australia and get certified as Instructors. Later they quit their corporate jobs to establish a Tai Chi & Qi Gong for Health School. Together they have started to spread Tai Chi & Qi Gong goodness among people who need it most.

Certifications: Certified Tai Chi & Qi Gong for Health Instructor from Dr. Paul Lam’s Tai Chi for Health Institute, Sydney, Australia

Anna is a UK-registered dietitian with clinical experience in weight management, bariatrics and in supporting malnourished individuals, affected by serious clinical conditions. She has also worked with patients suffering from diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular, gastroenterological, and other chronic and acute conditions. Having dealt with people from diverse backgrounds and illnesses, she has developed a passion to treat each case at an individual and personalized level. She loves implementing behavioural counseling and negotiation skills for healthier lifestyles. With nutrition being a social and family aspect from early in her life, she has always favoured wholesome nutrition to promote quality of life, whilst accounting for sustainable, environmental-friendly nutritional choices. She is also passionate about fitness and challenging people’s mindsets over their physical activity limits.

Clinical Expertise: Weight management, bariatric, nutrition support, eating disorders

Educational Background: Registered Dietitian HCPC and BDA registered (B.Sc. Dietetics) M.Sc. Nutrition Physical Activity and Public Health PCG ACE (Post-graduate Diploma in Academic and Clinical Education)

Languages Spoken: English, Greek

What I’m excited to bring to Fitcy Health members: My approach is unique in that my clients will lead the consultations with me as a guide. Together, we plan ahead our targets, set realistic goals according to the individual needs and lifestyle and everyone takes leadership of their journey. I like acting more as an educator, rather than dictating “rights” or “wrongs”, do’s and don’ts. Understanding the complexity of human nature is not an easy task, yet I embrace the challenges and together we can work our best to transform you into a healthier you!

My Favorite Quote: “Your body is your temple, your most sacred place. Live from within. You Only Live Once!”

Farida has a double post-graduate in Foods, Nutrition, and Dietetics. She is a Certified Nutritionist and a Certified Diabetic Educator. Her diet plans have helped many to live a healthier and fitter life! She believes in healthy eating, which is eating right & not starving your body. Her diet plans include delicious & nutritional meals, which will add to an overall healthy lifestyle.

Clinical Expertise: Gut Health, Women’s Health, Hormonal Health, Diabetes, Weight-loss, Weight-gain, Hormonal Imbalance, PCOS, Nutrition for Pregnancy, Nutrition for Period Regularity

Credentials: Certified Nutritionist, Clinical Dietician, Certified Diabetic Educator

Educational Background: Masters in Dietetics and Food Science Management, Post Graduate in Dietetics and Applied Nutrition, Bachelors of Science in Foods, Nutrition, and Dietetics, Certified Diabetic Educator

What I’m excited to bring to Fitcy Health members: My plans help you in achieving your goals in the healthiest way possible! This can be for healthy weight-loss or a medical-related condition like kidney disease, heart disease, etc. I plan according to your body’s requirements and search for the food that’s most compatible with it. My plans are designed to take care of you from the inside out, making you feel more energetic and fit! I have helped countless individuals not only with healthy weight-loss or weight-gain but also in maintaining their sugar range, conceive & pregnancy-related issues, get periods regularly, PCOS, hormonal balance, etc. My weight loss diet plans not only focus on weight loss but also how to avoid deficiencies of essential micronutrients like Iron, Calcium, B12. I’m not just your Nutritionist, but your Guide in this journey to achieving your goals with the help of nutrition.

My Favorite Quote: “Healthy Eating = Healthy You”

Tripti is a qualified nutritionist with a passion for helping people transform their diet and lifestyle. She uses healthy modifications to your habits that give results within achievable timelines.

Clinical Expertise: Nutrition for Pregnant Women, Sports Nutrition, High Cholesterol Diet Counseling, Hypertension Diet Counseling

Credentials: Clinical Dietician, Holistic Consultant

Educational Background: Masters in Food Science and Nutrition

What I’m excited to bring to Fitcy Health members: My consultation takes time – I take your history, pattern of eating, medical conditions and lifestyle issues, which makes the consultation detailed and individual specific. In return my clients get the best solution to achieve their goals.

My Favorite Quote: “You are what you eat, eat right, not less”

Elie is a highly experienced clinical dietician that has consulted over 50,000 clients worldwide till date. Having worked in various private clinics and wellness centers, he has been changing people’s lives for over 13 years now. He enjoys a high success rate, where over 80% of his clients always reach their goals. For him obstacles are opportunities of success, he loves his clients & their difficulties, and turning those difficulties into simple success stories, whether it be in losing weight, achieving a great relationship with their body, their food, getting out of stress, etc.

Clinical Expertise: Central obesity Nutritionist, athletic & Bodybuilder Nutritionist, Mindful eating & Food addictions, Nutritional behaviour specialist, Anti-aging & Detoxification Nutrition Educational Background:

Post graduate Diploma in Psychology of Nutritional behaviour from Dijon University France. Masters degree in Nutrition & Dietetics from Lebanese University Bachelor degree in Human physiology from Lebanese university Registered Dietetics License from Ministry of Public health Lebanon

Languages Spoken: Arabic, English, French

Years of Experience: 14+

What I’m excited to bring to Fitcy Health members: I want Fitcy Health members to know that I love to work hand in hand with my clients because my personality is very friendly and I’m dedicated to their results & achievements. I’m a detail & target oriented person by nature, and I am very close to all my clients, their successes & their failures matter so much to me. I understand my clients & their feelings towards their body, food & more because I’m a huge fan of food myself. I always bring a client first attitude & I want my clients to consider me as their 24/7 Nutritionist who is available in their pocket wether its late night or whenever. I want my clients to feel special because they are special & I’m here to help them achieve their target no matter what.

My Favorite Quote: “You are what you eat”

I am passionate about the mind and philosophy, music, dogs, legos, research, machine learning and anthropology. I have been awarded the Rakhawy Kasr Einy Annual Award for Best Clinical Case Study.

Areas of Expertise: Anxiety, Depression, Personality Disorders and Grief

Clinical Credentials: Psychologist, Clinical Therapist, CBT Practitioner, Mental Health Counselor, Psychodynamic Therapy

Years of Experience: 5+

Languages Spoken: English, Arabic, German, Dutch

Educational Background & Certifications: MSc Psychology University of Groningen, BSc Psychology University of Derby, CBT for Personality Disorders, EABCT Process Based CBT, EABCT Introduction to CBT, European Psychiatric Association Evidence Based Psychodynamic Therapy, World Psychiatric Association Introduction to Compassion Focused Therapy, World Psychiatric Association Psychotherapy for People with Psychosis, World Psychiatric Association Cognitive Behavioral Treatment In OCD, European Psychiatric Association Internet Based CBT In Psychiatry, European Psychiatric Association CBT Anxiety, Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy CBT Depression, Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy CBT Essentials, Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy

What I’m excited to bring to Fitcy Health members: I’m passionate, ethical, professional, experienced, well educated, open minded, compassionate, structured and most importantly I never give up on my clients even if they give up on themselves. Confidentiality and the therapeutic relationship are the pillars of therapy, and I deeply believe in an eclectic approach to help the client with the best they need to accomplish their goals in therapy.

Favorite Quote: “He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche

My name is Ines, and for as long as I can remember, I am fascinated by the behavior of people I am surrounded with. As a result I dedicated my education to psychology and plenty of spare time to personal development. When I decided it was time to start living up to my own potential, it was literally life changing. This decision has led me to be exactly where I want to be at this point in life. As I wish the same for you, it is my mission to help you define your vision, unlock your potential and take the first steps towards your new future.

Clinical Credentials: Life coaching, productivity coaching, career coaching

Languages Spoken: English, Dutch, Croatian

Educational Background & Certifications: BSc. Psychology – Maastricht University, MSc. Health and Social science – Maastricht University, MSc. Human Decision Science – Maastricht School of Business and Economics

What I’m excited to bring to Fitcy Health members: I am a life and performance coach, and I use proven psychology-based methods through which I help people explore themselves, their processes in life and identify which aspects are hindering them in achieving their goals and living up to their full potential. My clients say they experience more clarity about their future and they feel better equipped to handle new situations and challenges in life.

Favorite Quote: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

Hi, I’m Isobel. My overriding passion has been to help, guide, encourage and support others as they navigate the stormy waters of life. I use transformational therapies, positive psychology, hypnotherapy to inspire and motivate others to create positive change within their life, no matter their personal story. I have lived the majority of my life living in other countries and 28 years in the Middle East where I built my own successful wellbeing business. Now back in the UK, I have been able to continue working with my clients online globally wherever they are in the world. I am also the a Women’s Wellness Programme, and author of a lovely collection of Wellbeing Journals and inspirational wall art. I have invested heavily in my training and travelled far and wide to learn from expert leaders in their field. As you stand at the edge of change, I am ready to jump in with you.

Expertise: Life Coach, Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) Practitioner, Hypnotherapy, Holistic Therapy, Grief Recovery Specialist, Metaphysical Life Counselor, Midlife and Menopause wellness coach

Years of Experience: 21+

Educational Background & Certifications: Masters in Metaphysics, NLP Master Practitioner, Hypnotherapy, Hypnofertility, NLP Coach, Reiki Master, BWRT Level 2 (brain working recursive therapy), Grief Recovery Specialist, Midlife and menopause wellness coach, clinical reflexologist

What I’m excited to bring to Fitcy Health members: I have been working in the wellbeing field for over 20 years. I am a firm believer that it is just as important to work on the mind as well as the body. It is a true saying that health is wealth and mental health is vital for overall wellbeing and happiness. Developing a positive mindset, and an attitude of inner peace promotes clarity, resilience and motivation. However, this isn’t always easy. The reality of life is that painful events do happen. Relationships may break up, loss of job, illness, death, stress, anxiety leads to a depletion of energy and lack of motivation. Recently, Covid 19 has impacted mental health significantly. Consequently, just getting through the day can feel challenging. In addition, if you are a woman going through menopause, this too can be an uncomfortable time. Sometimes all you need is a safe, confidential, accepting space where you can share your thoughts, and feelings, and a gentle, yet powerful nudge to keep you moving forward in the right direction. Each client is treated holistically as an individual and each session is personalised accordingly. I use different modalities within the sessions to maximise your results and outcome.

If I could explain myself in a short sentence it would be; Psychologist, Mother and learning about myself everyday. I am a Certified Sport Psychology Coach and ACT practitioner. I am passionate about the concept of holistic wellness and how it can help the person to live a meaningful life. I strongly believe that empathy and respect can move anybody. I provide a non-judgmental space for my clients to be themselves in their journey of self discovery.

Expertise: Sports Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Postpartum Wellness, Body Image Wellness, Increased Concentration, Mental Strength & Conditioning, Healthy Lifestyle Coaching

Years of Experience: 8+

Educational Background & Certifications: Currently pursuing Ph.D, Masters in Clinical Psychology, Certified Sports Psychology Coach, NESTA, ACT training

What I’m excited to bring to Fitcy Health members: I help my clients understand the values in their life, and provide them a non-judgmental space to choose the actions that are required for them to reach their values. I help my clients learn the importance of mindfulness even in daily mundane activities. I use ACT (Acceptant Commitment Therapy) to help people deal with their emotional & restrained eating, while choosing a better lifestyle.

Favorite Quote: “Sometimes changing the relationship you have with your own emotions could have been the answer you had been looking all along.”

I’m a professional Clinical Psychologist with over ten years of experience in the assessment & diagnosis of psychotherapy with children, adults and elderly people. I’ve worked in several places such as Doctors without Borders, Head of Mental health Disorders within hospitals, and private clinics. More than that, I have been the first person to transcribe & bring the study of CBTI (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) into the Arabic language.

Clinical Expertise: Insomnia, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Personality Disorders, Psychology, Psychotherapy

Years of Experience: 10+

Languages Spoken: English, Arabic

Educational Background & Certifications: Masters in Clinical Psychology, Bachelors in Psychology

What I’m excited to bring to Fitcy Health members: My therapeutic sessions have helped many with Insomnia, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression & Personality Disorders

I’m a certified Life Coach, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Hypnotherapy Practitioner with Modern Applied Psychology diploma, currently based in Taiwan. Before, I was a Product and Project Manager in design and technology for around 10 years. I also studied Creative Industry Management MBA in UK and served as a Parachute Instructor in Army Airborne Special Operations Force. I have a tremendous passion in helping and inspiring people to make progress in life. During this decade, I struggled in various life problems related to family, relationship and career. So I started to discover what’s life’s purpose or meaning by comprehending eastern to western wisdom such as different religions, Osho, Seth’s Material, Modern Psychology, Indian Philosophy, Human Design, Laozi, Ringing Cedars’ Anastasianism, Shaman, etc. I found all the thoughts are guiding people to raise self-awareness and live with peace and love, so I decided to make a difference and become a Life Coach.

Expertise: Life Coach, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

Clients Coached: 100+ Across Asia

Languages Spoken: English, Chinese (Mandarin)

Educational Background & Certifications: Life Coach, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Hypnotherapy Practitioner certificate, Modern Applied Psychology diploma from UK Achology – The Academy of Modern Applied Psychology

What I’m excited to bring to Fitcy Health members: I will help you discover who you really are, make changes for yourself, bring back your power.

Favorite Quote: “You are the only answer”

Clinical Credentials: Life Coach, Business Coach, NLP Practitioner, Mental Health Councellor

Languages Spoken:  English

Educational Background & Certifications: Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), NLP Coach, Decision Making, Energy Balance Coaching, Social Panorama, NLP Trainer, NLP Practitioner, NLP Master, Transactional Analyses, Points Of You Explorer

What I’m excited to bring to Fitcy Health members: If you feel stuck or want to give up, my program is designed to help you get your mind and emotions fit, too. Our body, mind, and emotions work together as a whole. When you learn how to use all your potential – you’ll be surprised to see how easy it is to change!

Ahmed Mettawi MSc (USW), is an International board-certified lifestyle medicine physician and a registered clinical nutritionist. He is a holder of the MRCP (UK) specialty certificate in Endocrinology and diabetes, an associate member of the Endocrine Society, and a junior member of the ESPEN society. He is deeply interested in clinical nutrition and its applications in health, sports, and disease (esp. of lifestyle origin). He holds two post-graduate diplomas in different clinical nutrition domains. He is very passionate about the use of lifestyle changes to help achieve a healthy weight, have high energy, mood, and to live a better life. He aspires to achieve the highest reproductive and metabolic health for himself while guiding his clients down this path. He believes that clients should always be in control of their own lives and that they should get personalized recommendations to fit their daily routines. He strives to achieve this through working with his clients in a partnership based on continuous problem solving and innovative solutions.

Clinical Expertise: Clinical Dietician, Holistic Consultant, Sports Nutritionist, Kids Nutritionist, Chronic Disease Nutrition, Nutrition for Mental Health, Gut Health Specialist, Ketogenic Consultancy

Educational Background: International Board-certified lifestyle medicine physician (DipIBLM), ESPEN (European Society of Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition) post-graduate diploma, NNI (National Nutrition Institute) post-graduate professional diploma, MSc USW (UK) Endocrinology, MRCP (UK) certification Endocrinology, Family medicine AMU (Arab medical union) diploma, MB.BCh Medical & Surgical Sciences Cairo University

What I’m excited to bring to Fitcy Health members: My nutrition program helps you achieve the ideal weight while feeling energetic. All recommendations are evidence-based & I only include no-nonsense recommendations. These support your exercise performance and gains, promote better sleep, and is tailored to your own routines and problems. It takes into account favorite food, cooking methods, budgets, travels, availability, allergies, medications, etc. Most importantly, we roll together with any new changes in your life and you will find me always trying to help you gain control.

My Favorite Quote: “Find ecstasy in life; the mere sense of living is joy enough.”

My name is Uros. I am an English-speaking graduate psychologist and licensed psychotherapist, and I offer short and long-term coaching, counseling, and psychotherapy. I am an experienced therapist who works with you. My experience and training allow me to provide a dynamic therapeutic experience that is personal to you. I have experience working with adults in individual and group therapy settings.

Therapy is a space where one is accepted without any conditions. Psychotherapy is a truly personal experience. Therapy is not something done to a person, but rather it is created by the person. And with that, working with you will significantly involve you.

By staying with you and holding all that you bring, I hope to support the growth of this personal process. Previously, I have worked with clients who have struggled with: anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, anger, trauma, relationships, chronic conditions, gender, and sexuality, as well as clinical mental health. Some of these struggles may be familiar to you. In my work, I listen to how these struggles (or any of life’s struggles) are real for you. That is, what makes them personal.

Working with you will be a new experience I look forward to having.

Clinical Expertise: Life Coach; Psychologist; Psychotherapist; Mental Health Counsellor

Educational Background: Transactional Analyst – Psychotherapist

Years of Experience: 10

What I’m excited to bring to Fitcy Health members: I provide for your active listening, building a professional relationship through which you will have the opportunity to share, learn, redefine, receive support and achieve planned goals in a safe environment with full respect and discretion.

My Favorite Quote: “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”

We guarantee you our quality assurance & we’ll work with you tirelessly to achieve your goals. If you promise us your commitment, we’ll promise you nothing short of success.

Areesha trained at the South London and NHS Maudsley. She has certifications in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy from the Beck Institute in the US, focusing primarily on Depression. Since then she has been working in various settings, providing counseling to adults and adolescents, in out-patient as well as in-patient services. Areesha’s personal ethos is focused on becoming a part of the change towards removing the stigma surrounding mental health in our society.

Areas of Expertise: Depression, Anxiety, Distorted cognitions, Childhood emotional neglect, Low mood, Grief counseling, Integrative therapy & counseling

Clinical Credentials: Psychologist, CBT Practitioner, Mental Health Counselor.

Years of Experience: 2+

Educational Background & Certifications: MSc Psychology – University of Bath UK, BSc Psychology – University of Bath UK, Cert. Essentials of CBT – Beck Institute US, Cert. CBT for Depression – Beck Institute US

What I’m excited to bring to Fitcy Health members: I like to take an integrative approach with counseling – we are all individuals and one size cannot fit all when it comes to mental health support. Although I am trained in CBT which is evidence-based and structured, I prefer implementing humanistic and psychodynamic elements as well which suits a person’s individual needs.

Ahmed is a Psychotherapist with over five years of experience in international humanitarian work and over nine years of practice in multicultural psychotherapy services.

Areas of Expertise: Anxiety, Depression, Sleep disorders, Understanding & treating trauma, Emotional regulation

Clinical Credentials: Psychologist, Clinical Therapist, CBT Practitioner, Mental Health Counselor, Psychodynamic Therapy, Holistic Therapy

Languages Spoken: Arabic, English, French, Spanish

Educational Background & Certifications: 1. PhD in Clinical and Applied psychology 2. MSc in Clinical Psychology 3. BSc in Psychology

What I’m excited to bring to Fitcy Health members: I’m a Clinical Psychologist and Mental Health supervisor with international experience in multicultural environments. My experience has made me specialize and train in evidence based psychotherapy approaches and modern psychotherapy methods. My methods are tried & tested, and always deliver results.

Favorite Quote: “Confine yourself to the present”

Evelyn aims to make her yoga practice accessible to everyone, so basic sequences have been developed and are easily taught to her students to be able to orient themselves. Evelyn believes in the independence of her students to be able to learn & practice without her. Yet there is always an exchange in corrections, adjustments and most importantly presence and energy during her classes.

Expertise: Yoga Flow, Yin Yoga, Hit Yoga, Bare Yoga

Languages Spoken: English, Portuguese, Spanish

Certifications: International Yoga Alliance Certified, Focusing on structuring personalized Vinyasa Flow sequences, Yoga Brazilian Graduation

What I’m excited to bring to Fitcy Health members: When I was 18 I discovered yoga. Back then, I immediately knew that it would be part of my life forever. Inside me I knew that I had a way of feeling centered, of coming back home… and that’s what yoga means to me: home. Sometimes we don’t feel as if we are one even with our own body and mind. In that state, we can’t feel like we belong to no family/ friends/ group.This lack of connection starts inside of us with OURSELVES. When we connect, we find space and we feel joy. We are then able to share this joy and end up building more and more joy. Life is such a blessing, sometimes we are not ready to experience it and fully receive it because we are “outside” of ourselves. I want to bring the Fitcy Health members back to themselves, find their home that I found with yoga.

Favorite Quote: “Yoga is a way of coming back home.”

Ivy-Marie Komutambo specializes in functional and therapeutic nutrition. Her combination of holistic and clinical experience brings an alternative approach to nutrition coaching. She holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and is a member of the Nutritionists & Dietitians Institute (KNDI).

With over 6 years of experience in clinical and holistic nutrition, she has worked with a variety of clients focusing on dietary behavior, supplementation and nutrition in illness.

Educational Background:: M.Sc in Food, Nutrition and Dietetics B.Sc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics

What I’m excited to bring to Fitcy Health members: My approach to your nutrition goals will be client-led and will lead to lasting results!

My Favorite Quote: “Food is not inherently good or bad but can be unhealthy if consumed in an unbalanced way.”

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Infatuation vs Love: Understanding the Difference

When it comes to matters of the heart, it’s easy to confuse infatuation with love. After all, both emotions can make us feel giddy, excited, and consumed by the thoughts of another person. However, there are distinct differences between the two that are important to recognize.

Infatuation is often characterized by an intense attraction and fixation on someone. It’s a rush of emotions that can be exhilarating but tends to be short-lived. Infatuation is driven by physical attraction and a strong desire for validation or attention from the other person. It can cause us to idealize them and overlook any flaws or red flags in the relationship.

Love , on the other hand, goes beyond surface-level infatuation. It involves a deep emotional connection, trust, and mutual understanding between two individuals. Love grows over time as we get to know someone on a deeper level and accept them for who they truly are. Unlike infatuation, love is more stable and enduring; it withstands challenges and evolves through shared experiences.

Differentiating between infatuation and love can be challenging because they often coexist in romantic relationships. However, understanding these distinctions allows us to make informed decisions about our feelings and actions toward others. In this article, I’ll delve deeper into the characteristics of both infatuation and love while providing insights on how to navigate these complex emotions in relationships.

Stay tuned as we explore this fascinating topic further!

Infatuation: The Initial Attraction

When it comes to matters of the heart, the distinction between infatuation and love can be quite perplexing. In this section, let’s delve into the realm of infatuation and explore its nature as the initial attraction.

• Intense Emotions: Infatuation is characterized by an intense rush of emotions that can leave us feeling giddy and consumed by our thoughts. It often happens suddenly, like a bolt of lightning, igniting a strong desire for someone. We may find ourselves daydreaming about them constantly or feeling butterflies in our stomachs whenever they’re around.
• Physical Attractiveness: One common aspect of infatuation is being captivated primarily by physical appearance. The initial attraction is often based on superficial qualities such as looks, charm, or charisma. While these factors play a significant role in sparking infatuation, they alone do not sustain a deep and meaningful connection.
• Idealization: During the infatuation stage, we tend to idealize the person we are attracted to, putting them on a pedestal and overlooking their flaws or quirks. We create an image of perfection in our minds and project our own desires onto them without truly knowing who they are beneath the surface.
• Short-Lived Excitement: Infatuation is known for its burstiness — it can burn hot and fast but tends to fizzle out just as quickly. This initial attraction lacks the depth and longevity that true love possesses. As time goes on and we get to know the person better, we may realize that what once seemed like love was merely infatuation.
• Lack of Emotional Connection: While infatuation can be intense on an emotional level, it often lacks genuine emotional connection with the other person. It focuses more on fantasy rather than building a solid foundation rooted in trust, understanding, and compatibility.

In summary, infatuation is the initial spark of attraction that can be overwhelming and exhilarating. However, it should not be mistaken for love, as it tends to be short-lived and driven by superficial factors. Understanding the difference between infatuation and love is essential for establishing healthy and meaningful relationships in the long run.

Love: A Deeper Connection

When we think of love, images of romance, passion, and affection often come to mind. But love is so much more than just a fleeting infatuation or a whirlwind romance. It is a profound and meaningful connection that goes beyond surface-level attraction. In this section, we’ll explore the essence of love and delve into its deeper layers.

• Emotional Intimacy: Love is built on emotional intimacy – the ability to truly understand and connect with another person on a deep level. It’s about being vulnerable and open with your partner, sharing your fears, dreams, and insecurities without judgment. This level of emotional closeness creates a strong bond that withstands the test of time.
• Mutual Respect: Love involves mutual respect between two individuals. It means valuing each other’s opinions, beliefs, and boundaries. In a loving relationship, both partners treat each other with kindness, empathy, and consideration. They support each other’s goals and aspirations without trying to change or control one another.
• Trust and Communication: Trust forms the foundation of any lasting relationship rooted in love. Being able to rely on your partner fosters feelings of security and allows for open communication without fear of judgment or betrayal. Effective communication plays an integral role in nurturing love as it enables both partners to express their needs, desires, and concerns openly.
• Shared Values and Goals: Love thrives when two individuals share common values and goals for their future together. Whether it’s building a family or pursuing similar career paths, having shared aspirations can strengthen the bond between partners as they work towards their dreams hand-in-hand.
• Unconditional Support: Love entails providing unwavering support through life’s ups and downs; it means being there for your partner through thick and thin without conditions or expectations attached. Offering encouragement during challenging times fosters resilience within the relationship while reaffirming your commitment to one another.

In conclusion, love is a profound connection that transcends infatuation. It involves emotional intimacy, mutual respect, trust, communication, shared values and goals, and unconditional support. When these elements are present in a relationship, love can flourish and withstand the test of time. Remember to nurture your love by continuously working on these aspects and cherishing the deeper connection you share with your partner.

Differentiating Infatuation and Love

When it comes to matters of the heart, it can be difficult to distinguish between infatuation and love. Both emotions can make us feel giddy and consumed with intense feelings, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart.

• Timeframe: Infatuation often happens quickly, almost like a lightning bolt striking out of nowhere. It’s that instant attraction you feel towards someone, where everything seems perfect and effortless. Love, on the other hand, takes time to develop. It grows gradually as you get to know someone on a deeper level, building a strong emotional connection over months or even years.
• Depth of Emotion: Infatuation tends to be more superficial and based on physical attraction or external qualities. It’s fueled by passion and desire but may lack the depth of emotional intimacy that love encompasses. Love goes beyond the surface; it involves genuine care, trust, respect, and understanding of your partner’s flaws and strengths.
• Stability: Infatuation can be unpredictable and fleeting. It may come in waves or fade away just as quickly as it arrived when faced with challenges or conflicts in the relationship. Love is more stable and enduring; it withstands hardships and evolves through ups and downs while remaining committed.
• Selflessness vs Selfishness: In infatuation, one might focus primarily on their own desires and needs rather than considering their partner’s well-being or happiness fully. Love is characterized by selflessness – putting your partner’s needs before yours without expecting anything in return.
• Longevity: Infatuation tends to burn out over time if there isn’t a solid foundation of compatibility beyond physical attraction alone. However, love has the potential to grow stronger over time as two individuals build a life together based on shared values, mutual support, trustworthiness, and emotional connection.

It’s important not to confuse infatuation with love, as mistaking one for the other can lead to misunderstandings, heartache, and unfulfilling relationships. Take the time to evaluate your feelings and observe how they evolve over time. True love is a deep-rooted connection that goes beyond initial infatuation, withstands the test of time, and brings genuine happiness and fulfillment to both partners.

Signs of Infatuation

Infatuation, that intense and overwhelming feeling for someone, can often be mistaken for love. But how do you differentiate between the two? Here are some signs that can help you identify if what you’re experiencing is infatuation:

• Obsessive Thoughts: When infatuated with someone, your mind becomes consumed by thoughts of them. You find yourself constantly daydreaming about the person, replaying memories, or imagining future scenarios. It’s like they have taken over your every waking moment.
• Idealization: In an infatuated state, it’s common to put your object of affection on a pedestal. You may see them as flawless, believing they possess all the qualities you’ve ever desired in a partner. This idealized image may not necessarily reflect their true personality or character.
• Physical Attraction: Infatuation often stems from strong physical attraction towards someone. You might feel an intense desire to be close to them physically and emotionally, driven by their appearance or magnetic presence.
• Rapid Intensity: Unlike love which grows gradually over time, infatuation tends to develop quickly and intensely. One minute you barely know the person, and the next, you’re head over heels for them without fully understanding why.
• Jealousy and Possessiveness: A telltale sign of infatuation is feeling jealous or possessive when others show interest in your crush. It stems from a fear of losing their attention and wanting exclusive rights to their affection.

Remember that while these signs indicate infatuation, they don’t necessarily imply a lasting connection or compatibility with the person in question. Infatuations can fade just as quickly as they appear if not built on a solid foundation of mutual understanding and shared values.

So before declaring undying love based solely on initial infatuation, take some time to evaluate your feelings objectively and ensure they align with what love truly represents – a deep emotional bond built on trust, respect, and genuine affection.

Signs of Love

When it comes to distinguishing between infatuation and love, there are several key signs that can help us understand the true nature of our feelings . While every relationship is unique, here are a few common indicators that may suggest you’re experiencing genuine love:

• Deep Emotional Connection: Love goes beyond surface-level attraction or infatuation. It involves forming a deep emotional bond with someone that transcends physical desire. You feel a strong connection on an intellectual, emotional, and spiritual level.
• Mutual Respect and Support: In a loving relationship, both partners have immense respect for each other’s thoughts, beliefs, and boundaries. There is an unwavering support system where you genuinely care about each other’s well-being and encourage personal growth.
• Open Communication: Love thrives on open and honest communication. You feel comfortable expressing your thoughts, fears, dreams, and desires with your partner without fear of judgment or rejection. Both individuals actively listen to each other’s perspectives and work through challenges together.
• Genuine Care and Selflessness: Love involves selflessly caring for your partner’s happiness and well-being. It means putting their needs before yours at times without any expectation of reciprocation or reward.
• Long-Term Commitment: Unlike infatuation, which tends to be short-lived, love endures over time. You envision a future together with your partner in which you grow old as a couple while supporting each other through life’s ups and downs.

Remember that these signs are not definitive proof of love but rather serve as guiding principles when evaluating the depth of your emotions in a relationship.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Infatuation

Ah, infatuation. That exhilarating, heart-pounding rush that sweeps you off your feet and makes you feel like you’re floating on cloud nine. But beneath the surface of this intoxicating emotion lies a rollercoaster ride of intense highs and frustrating lows. Let’s delve into the emotional whirlwind that often accompanies infatuation.

• The Initial Spark: At the onset of infatuation, everything seems perfect. Your heart skips a beat when you see that special someone, and every interaction feels electric. You find yourself daydreaming about them constantly, replaying moments in your mind with an infectious smile on your face.
• Uncertainty and Obsession: As the infatuation deepens, so does the uncertainty. Thoughts like “Do they feel the same way?” or “What if they don’t like me back?” start creeping in, fueling a sense of obsession. Every little word or action becomes a matter of overanalysis as you try to decipher their true feelings.
• Extreme Highs and Lows: Infatuation is notorious for its extreme emotional swings. One moment, you’re flying high with euphoria at the slightest hint of reciprocation from your crush; the next moment, even a slight disappointment can send you spiraling into depths of despair and self-doubt.
• Idealization and Ignoring Red Flags: During this phase, it’s common to put your infatuated partner on a pedestal while brushing aside any flaws or red flags that might be apparent to others around you. You may overlook compatibility issues or dismiss warning signs because all you can see is perfection through rose-tinted glasses.
• Jealousy and Insecurity: Infatuation often breeds jealousy and insecurity as you become possessive over your object of affection. Seeing them interact with others can trigger feelings of envy or fear of losing their attention. These emotions can lead to irrational behavior and strained relationships with friends or even the person you’re infatuated with.

Infatuation is indeed a wild emotional ride, filled with intense passion and unpredictable ups and downs. While it can be thrilling and exhilarating, it’s important to recognize its limitations. As we’ll explore further in this article, love offers a more stable foundation built on mutual understanding, trust, and commitment. So buckle up for the ride of infatuation but remember to approach it with caution and keep your heart open to the possibilities that lie beyond its temporary allure.

Note: The above content is purely informative and does not constitute professional advice or a definitive statement on the subject matter.

The Stability and Growth of Love

When it comes to love, one of the most remarkable aspects is its ability to provide stability and foster growth in a relationship. Unlike infatuation, which often burns bright but fades quickly, true love has the power to withstand the test of time and evolve into something deeper and more fulfilling.

• Building a Strong Foundation: Love thrives on a solid foundation of trust, respect, and open communication. In a loving relationship, partners understand each other’s needs and desires, creating an environment where both individuals can feel secure and supported. This stability allows them to weather life’s challenges together, knowing they have each other’s backs.
• Nurturing Emotional Intimacy: Love goes beyond physical attraction; it delves into emotional intimacy. Couples who are deeply in love share their thoughts, fears, dreams, and vulnerabilities with one another without judgment or reservation. This level of emotional connection fosters growth as individuals learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives.
• Encouraging Personal Development: True love encourages personal growth within the relationship. Partners support each other’s ambitions and help one another become the best versions of themselves. They celebrate accomplishments together while providing guidance during difficult times.
• Adapting to Change: As time passes, people change; circumstances change too. The beauty of love lies in its ability to adapt alongside these changes while remaining steadfast at its core. It requires flexibility, compromise, and understanding – all factors that contribute to stability in relationships.
• Cultivating Shared Goals: Love flourishes when couples work towards shared goals or aspirations together. By aligning their visions for the future—whether it be building a family or achieving professional success—love becomes an anchor that keeps them grounded amidst life’s uncertainties.

Love provides stability by establishing a strong foundation built on trust and open communication while fostering personal growth through emotional intimacy and support for individual development within the relationship. Furthermore, it adapts to change and cultivates shared goals, allowing couples to weather storms and grow together. It is this stability and growth that sets love apart from fleeting infatuation.

In conclusion, understanding the difference between infatuation and love is crucial for building healthy and fulfilling relationships. Here are a few examples that highlight the disparities between these two emotional states:

• Duration: Infatuation often has a short-lived intensity, while love stands the test of time. Infatuation may fade away quickly, leaving behind a sense of emptiness once the initial excitement wears off. On the other hand, love deepens and evolves over time, growing stronger as two individuals continue to bond emotionally.
• Focus: Infatuation tends to be centered around physical attraction and superficial qualities, whereas love encompasses a deeper connection on an emotional and intellectual level. While infatuation may be based on external factors like appearance or charm, love delves into understanding each other’s values, dreams, and supporting one another’s growth.
• Stability: Infatuation can be fragile and unstable since it is largely driven by intense emotions that fluctuate rapidly. Love provides a stable foundation for a relationship as it is built upon trust, respect, communication, and shared experiences. It withstands challenges and hardships with resilience.
• Selflessness: Love involves selflessness, where both partners prioritize each other’s well-being and happiness over their own desires. Infatuation tends to be more self-centered, with an emphasis on personal gratification rather than considering the needs of the other person.
• Growth: Love encourages personal growth within the relationship as both partners support each other’s aspirations and help each other become better individuals. Infatuation may hinder personal development due to its fixation on idealized fantasies rather than accepting reality.

It’s important to remember that neither infatuation nor love is inherently right or wrong; they simply represent different stages or aspects of human emotions in relationships. Recognizing these differences can help us navigate our feelings more effectively and make informed decisions about our partnerships.

In conclusion,

• Infatuation is short-lived, while love endures.
• Infatuation is focused on superficial qualities, while love encompasses a deeper connection.
• Infatuation can be unstable, whereas love provides stability.
• Love involves selflessness, while infatuation tends to be more self-centered.
• Love encourages personal growth, whereas infatuation may hinder it.

Understanding these distinctions empowers us to cultivate healthier and more meaningful relationships based on genuine love rather than fleeting infatuation.

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Infatuation vs. Love

Love and infatuation are both intense emotions that one feels for another person. These feelings are most often confused for each other by many people. But the two feelings differ in their actuality of love, intensity and final outcome.

Infatuation is the state of being completely carried away by unreasoning passion or love; addictive love. Infatuation usually occurs at the beginning of relationship when sexual attraction is central. Love can be described as feeling of intense affection for another person. It is most often talked about as an emotion between two persons. Hence is also sometimes referred to as interpersonal love.

Differences in Dictionary Meaning

As a noun, Love is described as:

• a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.
• a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.
• sexual passion or desire.
• a person toward whom love is felt; beloved person; sweetheart .
• used in direct address as a term of endearment, affection, or the like: Would you like to see a movie, love?

As a noun, infatuation is described as:

• a foolish and usually extravagant passion or love or admiration.
• temporary love of an adolescent.
• an object of extravagant short-lived passion.

Comparison chart

Symptoms of love vs. infatuation.

The foremost symptom of being infatuated by a person is wanting to be around that person. This may sometimes also be sexual desire. Other symptoms may be anxiety, panic, jealousy etc. Love, on the other hand, may start with infatuation or lust and then become love. Symptoms of love are emotional attachment with someone, feelings of confidence, and affection.

Differences in Attributes

Love can happen without conscious intention and hence pure love doesn't expect anything in return. Infatuation, though, comes with a feeling of passion. It may start with physical attraction and may render excitement to be around a person. Love comes with passion as well as intimacy. Love is also tolerant and forgiving while Infatuation may invoke jealousy. Infatuation induces impatience while Love is patient.

Reasons people fall in love or be infatuated

There may or may not be any reason to fall in love. It comes with mixed emotions and may be caused by physical attraction, intellectual and emotional compatibility. Infatuation, on the other hand, may start with physical attraction and gives a feeling of being in love.

Differences in Feelings

Infatuation feels like being in love but it is not. The intensity of the emotion is strong but not pure like love.

Love is the quiet understanding and mature acceptance of imperfection. Love is always associated with connection between two souls that goes beyond the self. Infatuation may make the other person selfish if the opposite person's reaction isn't the same. Infatuation isn't pure like love and may be accompanied by lust. It is about thinking about oneself and not the other person.

Differences in effects of separation

Infatuation is weakened by time and separation whereas real love is strengthened by time and separation. Separation in both emotions causes great pain but infatuation may get weak and cause the feeling to lessen over time. Love develops more with time and separation.

Commitment in love vs infatuation

While true and pure love between two people can often develop into long term commitment, infatuation may only in very few cases lead to any commitment. True love induces a feeling of close bond towards the other person that is mutual. While infatuation may produce feelings of closeness, because they are typically one sided real, lasting commitment by both parties isn't possible.

Age as a factor

Infatuation is generally in the context of teenage or adolescence. There is generally no age associated with love. Anyone can be in love at any age, but most love stories before the age of 20 are considered infatuation or "puppy love".

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Comments: Infatuation vs Love

Anonymous comments (5).

February 16, 2014, 12:40am Great analysis. — 172.✗.✗.215

February 6, 2014, 3:03pm awesome information — 37.✗.✗.83

May 20, 2013, 11:36pm I dated this girl in high school who I was infatuated with. We broke up after about two years. Then, I realized that I am not infatuated with her anymore, and now I absolutely love her, I will do anything for her, and we might be meant for each other. We have been stuck as to whether or not we should date again, and we both agree that after dating others, we did not feel the same as we did when we are simply together. I think that infatuation can lead to a great appreciation of love. — 173.✗.✗.117

September 15, 2012, 8:51pm This really makes sense to me. Having dated guys in my late teens-early twentiesand then settling down and getting married. I have experienced things from both sides of your chart and feel that all young people should know the difference between love and lust. One leads to lasting contentment while the other is exciting for a time but followed by the most painful, emotional heartbreak. Look to see the inner qualities of the people you meet and see if you have common goals for the future. — 68.✗.✗.81

March 15, 2014, 6:41pm Luv can start at any age, no one knows how u really feel for a person. Unless they r actually u! — 74.✗.✗.35

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Infatuation Vs. Love: What's The Difference?

Crushes and new relationships can be intense, causing emotional responses that may be difficult to understand. In some cases, it might seem like you love someone until time wears off your initial infatuation and shows that you might not have much in common. Understanding the difference between infatuation and love often depends on how long you experience it. An infatuation is often intense and short-lived, while love is more stable and long-lived. In addition, infatuation is often sexual or romantic in nature, whereas love can be sexual, romantic, platonic, spiritual, and familial. 

The chemical components behind infatuation and love 

The difference between infatuation and love is often chemical. Infatuation is often lust, a physical attraction, and a sexual drive. You may lust after someone because you find them attractive. You may also find their personality pleasing or enjoy the way you feel when you're around them. However, this infatuation doesn't necessarily mean the relationship may last. 

Chemically, physical attraction and lust are fueled by the hormones estrogen and testosterone. Both are required to some degree to experience lust. As these hormone levels ramp up, one may become antsy and aggressive, losing focus on anything outside of sexual or romantic gratification. From an evolutionary perspective, this obsession with sex helped humans survive. However, some people don't feel sexual attraction to others or may not be compelled to have sex, regardless of attraction. In these cases, infatuation may be romantic. 

When your feelings for someone move beyond lust into emotional attraction, the brain releases dopamine and oxytocin. Dopamine causes happiness and a sense of being rewarded. When you spend time with someone who evokes these feelings, your brain is rewarded. When that person is not around, the brain makes you want the person more. 

Oxytocin is called "the bonding chemical." In situations like breastfeeding, pregnancy, cuddling, and sex, oxytocin chemically compels humans to become emotionally and physically closer to another person. Like dopamine, oxytocin can be tempting and may increase cravings for affection. It is also considered a " love neurotransmitter ."

Infatuation happens when one craves the chemical release of oxytocin and dopamine to the point where one wants to be around a person all the time. Love may be more related to values and the affection that grows over time in a close relationship. 

How do you know you're in love? 

In relationships, many people may crave love and connection. The infatuation stage is filled with intense emotions, but a romantic relationship can often offer stability, closeness, and a social support system. Infatuation may die off without love and cause an individual to realize they don't love the person they're with. 

There aren't specific milestones indicating a connection has successfully transformed from the infatuation or "honeymoon phase" into love, as the process is often gradual. Try to avoid unrealistic expectations for immediate true love in a new relationship. Infatuation isn't destructive if treated carefully and not mistaken for love. 

When you love someone, you may have the desire to be selfless and put their needs first. In addition, you may want to build a long-term life together, build a family, or complete other "relationship milestones." If you love someone, your care for them may not diminish over time and instead grow as you get to know them and see them grow, as well. Contrarily, infatuation may be more like obsession than mature love. This feeling can be dramatic, intense, and all-consuming. 

10 ways to spot love vs. infatuation

Below are ten ways you may be able to tell the difference between love and infatuation: 

• Love may not be about being perfect but being together respectfully. 
• Love is considerate.
• Love is often about a deeper connection.
• Love takes time, while infatuation can be instant.
• Love is often genuine and selfless.
• Love can be timeless. You may continue to love someone, even if you're apart or can't be together. 
• Love is refreshing, while infatuation may take a significant amount of energy.
• Love can be confident, while infatuation may be insecure.
• Love encourages growth.
• Love goes beyond sex, while infatuation is often physical. 

In the early stages of a relationship, it can be challenging to know if you're in love. When Googling phrases like "Am I in love," you may see posts highlighting infatuation's symptoms and calling it love. With hormones cycling, a person can feel so intensely they struggle to think about anything other than the person of their desire. 

However, if you're not sure you're in love, you may be experiencing infatuation. Love is often an innate sense and may be easy to identify. It can involve a desire for commitment and a conscious decision to be with someone, even when relationships get complicated. 

You might not be obsessed with understanding how others feel about you when you're in love. Instead, you may consider their interests, put them first, and consider them an integral part of your life. Even when you're angry or disagree, you may still feel love for them. If you're infatuated with someone, a disagreement or core personality difference may cause your feelings to change quickly. 

How to cope with infatuation

In time, infatuation often goes away on its own. For some people, this process takes a few weeks to a few months. For others, it might take a few years. Coping with infatuation, especially in cases of unrequited love, can also depend on how much time you spend with someone, whether you feel obsessed with them, and whether they are stringing you along. If the person sometimes reciprocates your feelings and sometimes doesn't, your infatuation may last longer, as your brain craves dopamine and oxytocin, which is only offered sometimes. 

If you are infatuated with someone to the point of significant obsession or stalking behaviors , this may be dangerous. Instead of continuing to attempt to contact, follow, or check up on this person, it may be beneficial to reach out to a licensed professional to discuss the reason you're struggling to let go. 

Finding professional support 

If you're struggling to understand your feelings for a person or want to move forward from an unhealthy infatuation, it may be beneficial to talk to a counselor. You don't have to have a mental illness to go to therapy, and therapy can also be attended online through platforms like BetterHelp.

Through an online platform, clients can use tools like webinar classes, group therapy sessions, journaling prompts, and worksheets to take control of their mental health journey. In addition, they can choose between phone, video, or live chat individual sessions with their therapist and send messages throughout the week if questions arise. 

Studies show that online therapy can be effective for many people. One review of 17 studies found that internet-based interventions were more effective than in-person therapy in some scenarios, especially for those living with depressive disorders. However, these modalities can also be effective for those living with relationship challenges. 

Which Is Stronger - Infatuation Or Love?

Authentic love and infatuation can both cause intense feelings. Infatuation tends to be intense but short-lived, whereas real love typically lasts longer and involves more stability and intimacy. While infatuation may feel stronger due to the initial intensity, love tends to actually be stronger and longer lasting. 

Why Is It Important To Know The Difference Between Love And Infatuation? How Does It Affect Your Relationships?

Knowing when you're feeling love and when it's just infatuation can be important for the health and longevity of your relationship. Infatuation is often described as an intense but short-lived passion characterized by a strong desire and an idealized view of the other person. While it can be exciting and may seem like true love in the beginning, it doesn't necessarily have the same depth or endurance that genuine love can offer. 

True love generally involves a deeper connection and understanding between you and your partner. It's often built on trust, mutual respect, and a genuine interest in each other's well-being. Over time, relationships built on love tend to develop resilience through common experiences and challenges. 

When you base your relationship primarily on infatuation, there's a risk that when the initial intensity fades, the relationship may feel empty or unsatisfying. On the other hand, a relationship grounded in genuine love can grow and change over time, providing a nurturing environment for everyone.

Can You Confuse Infatuation And Love?

It can be easy to confuse love and infatuation, especially since infatuation can often lead to love. Infatuation often presents itself as an overwhelming attraction to a person. It can feel like the real thing because of its intensity and the deep longing to be with the person. However, with infatuation, there's often a focus on the present moment. It's not uncommon to overlook red flags and not consider the future or deeper layers of the relationship. 

Since falling in love often begins with some level of infatuation, the difficulty often lies in knowing when there's a potential for something stronger to build. It can be important to evaluate your feelings regularly and understand that both infatuation and love are valid emotions but serve different roles in our lives. Seeking clarity and understanding about your emotions can help foster healthier, more fulfilling relationships. 

What Happens When Infatuation Ends?

When the infatuation turn is over, a range of emotions and reactions can emerge, including: 

• Disappointment - As the rose-colored glasses come off, you might start to see the other person's flaws or inconsistencies that you may have previously overlooked, leading to disappointment or a realization that the relationship might not be what you initially thought it was.  
• A Sense Of Loss – The end of infatuation can feel like a loss. As the intense emotions and excitement start to fade, it's not uncommon to feel sadness or nostalgia for the emotions you once felt. 
• Clarity – The end of infatuation can provide clarity. You might begin to evaluate the relationship more honestly, making it possible to determine whether there's a deeper connection or compatibility outside the initial attraction. 
• Transition – For some, the end of infatuation marks the start of genuine love. The relationship can transition into a more stable, deep, and enduring connection. 
• End Of The Relationship – Once the infatuation fades, some people may realize they weren't truly compatible or that their relationship lacks depth. This can lead to a decision to part ways.
• Self-Reflection – The end of infatuation can also be a time for introspection and an opportunity to understand your emotions and genuine desires in a relationship.  

The end of infatuation is a natural phase in many relationships. Emotions evolve, and relationships shift. Understanding these changes allows people to make informed decisions about their relationships and personal growth. 

What Is The Difference Between Love And Infatuation Desire?

The difference between love and infatuation desire lies primarily in depth, duration, and understanding. Infatuation desire is often considered "temporary love." It's a powerful, almost magnetic attraction to someone, filled with heightened emotions, idealizations, and a sense of urgency. This desire can be all-consuming but is typically short-lived. 

Love is a profound and lasting emotional bond. When you're in love, you not only desire the person, but you often value them, wish the best for them, and feel safe in their presence. Love often involves integrating that person into all facets of your life and imagining a common future. 

How Do You Control Infatuation?

Controlling infatuation begins with self-awareness and recognizing the signs, like idealizing someone or feeling an overwhelming urgency about the relationship. It might be helpful to take a step back and assess logically. It can also be important to continue to spend time with friends and family who may be able to offer a balanced perspective on the relationship. Seeking guidance from a therapist can also be helpful for navigating these emotions. 

How Long Can Infatuation Last?

The duration of infatuation often depends on the person and situation. For some people, infatuation can last weeks. For others, it might be a few years. Situations like unrequited love or when one person is stringing the other along the infatuation can last longer because the dopamine and oxytocin from the relationship aren't reliably offered. 

Why Does Infatuation Happen?

When you feel emotionally drawn to someone beyond physical attraction, your brain releases chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin. Dopamine brings about feelings of joy and satisfaction. Interacting with someone who prompts these emotions gives the brain a sense of reward, and when you aren't around them, the brain often longs for them even more.

Oxytocin, frequently referred to as "the bonding chemical," plays a vital role in moments like childbirth, nursing, and physical touch. It encourages humans to form closer emotional and physical ties with others. Like dopamine, the pull of oxytocin can increase our desires for closeness and emotional connection. 

Infatuation occurs when there's an intense desire for the effects of oxytocin and dopamine, leading one to seek constant proximity to the source of these feelings. In contrast, love is deeply rooted in mutual values and the emotional bond that strengthens over time within a lasting relationship.

What Is The Difference Between Obsession And Infatuation?

Infatuation is a strong, often fleeting, attraction to someone. It's characterized by intense emotions and the tendency to idealize the other person. There's a sense of excitement and admiration, and sometimes, this infatuation can turn into genuine love as individuals get to know each other better.

Conversely, obsession is an unhealthy fixation on someone or something. It's marked by intrusive and persistent thoughts and a compulsive need to be close to or possess the object of obsession. This can result in controlling behaviors. Obsession can make individuals lose touch with reality, and they may struggle to accept anything they perceive as "wrong" with the object of their fixation. 

While both states involve strong feelings, obsession leans more towards unhealthy attachment, whereas infatuation is generally a more temporary and benign phase of attraction.  

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How Psychologist Explain Infatuation Vs Love?

How do you Explain Infatuation Vs? Love to someone who has never experienced either?

Who can say no to the excitement of a new crush? What if your crush becomes a new fling? There will be fireworks displays. Making yourself available to someone new is both terrifying and exciting. When you’re smitten with everything about your partner, it’s too easy to dive right in. Infatuation can sometimes be intense, whether falling or somewhere under the umbrella of romantic obsession.

I used to think that infatuation was a natural part of love. I thought they were mutually beneficial until I tried them and discovered they couldn’t coexist. Too many people believe they are in love with someone simply because they are amazing. They can’t stop thinking about them, but the truth is that the intensity that comes with genuinely liking someone is not always loved.

Today I will meet with Raju Akon , a Clinical and Counseling Psychologist. He provided in-depth information on Infatuation and Love. Let’s check what it means:

Infatuation is Flimsy Love

Infatuation is defined as an intense physical attraction to someone. A person in love finds it challenging to think of anything other than another person.

Brief encounters are replayed in one’s head; it may be challenging to eat, and there may be a state of arousal that is relatively constant. Infatuation is rather apparent.

If someone first-time experiences infatuation, they will be confident that they will ‘never feel this way again and that this person is ‘the one.

After all, the body and mind react to them so powerfully and consistently that it’s hard to imagine a life worth living without them at its heart.

This is not the case, as people vulnerable to infatuations will have many in their life.

Three Basic Components of Love :

There are three critical components of love, according to Sternberg (1988):

The presence or absence of each of these components affects love relationships in different ways.

The intense physical attraction that partners feel for one another is called passion.

Intimacy is the ability to share feelings, personal thoughts, and psychological closeness with another person.

Commitment is the deliberate decision to remain together.

In the early stages of a relationship, passion can be found, but intimacy takes time to develop because it is based on the partner’s knowledge. Partners may decide to stay in a relationship once intimacy has been established.

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Is it True that Infatuation is a Negative Emotion?

Infatuation is pretty common among teenagers and pre-teens.

Infatuation helps us learn who we are drawn to when we are young and still develop our faith.

Our brains are still developing, and our hormones are changing. Our bodies are awakening to the fact that they are drawn to others while we are infatuated. So, at this stage, infatuation is typical.

But at our adult stage, we discover that infatuation is just the beginning and must also consider other factors. We consider common interests and beliefs and how the individual treats us. So, when we don’t consider these factors before jumping into a relationship, infatuation works as negative emotion when things get messy.

Knowing the Difference Between Infatuation and Love:

Sometimes it may be challenging to find the difference between infatuation and love.

Many relationships begin with a healthy dose of adoration. The fiery initial period of infatuation in healthy relationships is temporary, giving way to a true partnership founded on confidence and affection rather than an obsessive attachment to the other individual.

When infatuation fades from a relationship, it doesn’t mean that the couple no longer cares for each other; somewhat, the relationship has matured into a more stable, reciprocal bond.

As infatuation fuels fear, the relationship either ends quickly or drags on as the infatuation transforms into a dangerous attraction to the other person.

So, step back and listen to your gut if you or a romantic partner is becoming too intense, obsessed, or controlling. Whether you’re in a relationship or not, knowing how a relationship or individual makes you feel can be highly beneficial.

Still unsure whether your relationship is based on shared interests or infatuation? Face the following questions to yourself:

1. Do you Guys Have Similar Strong Feelings?

This may seem self-evident, but the prism of infatuation has a curious way of translating signs and signals from your significant other into whatever color best serves your current narrative. A Facebook-like or vague answer to a text message can mean the world when you’re high. When you’re down, the same reaction will completely derail your day.

Even if you disagree, being direct and knowing where each other stands symbolizes a good partnership.

2. Are you Guys Ignoring Your Responsibilities?

Since there’s a sense of urgency, as though your friendship would disappear into thin air if you turn away, infatuation throws your priorities out of whack.

You neglect your friends, family, and school obligations, believing that spending time with the object of your adoration is more critical.

You might even find yourself putting your life on hold to remain there for your partner.

When you love somebody, the way they live their life inspires you. You don’t have to be with them at all times of the day! Love respects people’s limits and allows them to live satisfying lives on their terms.

3. Are you Behaving Typically?

Consider what you usually do to make yourself happy and see if your desires have changed to match the object of your adoration.

It’s always fun to open up and learn new things from a particular person, but you should never feel obligated to hide or alter who you are to please your partner.

4. To What Extent Does Jealousy Play a Role?

Do you keep tabs on your significant other’s social media activity? Are you hurt or worried if they like someone’s posts too frequently? Or, even worse, are you comparing yourself to their ex on social media?

Jealousy is unattractive and possessive and stems from danger and insecurity.

It’s difficult not to focus on what makes us jealous, but the most helpful question to ask yourself is what your jealousy means about your relationship.

What is it about them that makes you so insecure?

Although jealousy can arise in any relationship, the more you discuss it when it arises and stay open and truthful with your partner about how you’re feeling, the more confidence and intimacy you’ll develop.

5. If you’re Overthinking your Relationship or Trying to Figure out How They’re Feeling… It’s

Love is a two-way street. On the other hand, infatuation is often one-sided. If you’re in love, you could spend much time wondering if they’re really into or loyal to you. If they haven’t texted you, you could obsess about minor details, such as what to text them in the middle of the day. Your relationship is full of doubt; it isn’t yet loved.

6. It is Love if You Know You Can Depend on Them in a Crisis.

Assume your car breaks down, or you learn a loved one is in the hospital. Will you make contact with the person in question?

It’s love if you know you’ll be welcomed with warm, welcoming, and soothing gestures if you say yes. It’s probably infatuation if you think a crisis will be “too much” for the individual to handle.

Moreover, it’s probably infatuation if you think a crisis will be “too much” for the individual to handle. Love has scope, and difficulties don’t faze it. Love endures.

7. If Your Relationship is Primarily Physical in Nature… It’s Infatuation.

Consider how much time you spend with the person you’re seeing. Is sex a significant part of it? Will you (or they) prefer to hook up instead of going out?

Can you chat after you’ve gotten physical, or do you find talking about “true stuff” outside the bedroom difficult?

Do you go on dates, catch up with friends and relatives, and participate in hobbies? Or do you have to have sex at every get-together?

In any romantic relationship, sex is highly significant. On the other hand, love does not seem to be the primary subject. It appears to be an exciting way to express your affection for your partner.

Is it Love or Infatuation, Then?

It’s important not to feel embarrassed if these topics resonate with you.

Society allows us to lose ourselves in this flimsy concept of love to make us feel like losers when it all falls apart.

Understanding how easy it is to slip into these habits can not only help you avoid abusive relationships, but it can also help you treat yourself with kindness when you rebound from an unhealthy relationship or fixation.

What do you do if You’re Infatuated?

I want to emphasize that infatuation is not harmful; it is the beginning of many beautiful relationships. To get to a place of love, however, all parties must “do the work” and be genuinely open to falling. It will never grow if you aren’t still on the same page. You must put in the effort if you want love, not just lust.

1. Prioritize Date Nights Over Sex Nights.

If your emotional relationship hasn’t progressed, get out of a situation (like at home) where you’ll be tempted to get distracted. Instead, go for a stroll or a hike. Take a bottle of wine to the park and have a picnic. Take a short road trip together. Put yourself in positions where you can chat and get to know each other.

2. Ask Honest Questions and Also Give Honest Answers to Serious Questions!!

You must go beyond the person’s everyday life and into the realm of their dreams. You should feel free to ask where they see their life going if you’ve been dating for a while—at least a few months—if they want kids, if they want to get married one day if they want to fly, and what kind of life they want to have.

This is how you can tell if you’re moving in the same direction and if you’ll be able to help each other along the way.

Many people don’t ask tough questions, so they waste time with someone who isn’t in it for the same reasons they are (i.e., marriage, kids, commitment).

3. Make a Phone Call

When I was dating, there was a strange sign that someone serious about developing a relationship with me would do: they’d call me on the phone.

Even if you can’t be physically present with others, hearing their voice and exchanging stories verbally builds a stronger connection and demonstrates your commitment to the job.

Texting takes ten seconds; making a phone call takes time to set aside . Make it a priority and tell your partner to do it.

4. Accept the Fact that the Majority of People do not Get What They Want

A harsh reality of life is that sometimes things feel inexplicably suitable for us,

So we must let go of the chance of getting them. No matter how beautiful this individual is or how enthralling their mind is to you, your link with them (if there is one) is not developing into a relationship.

You must move on from this and resume living for yourself, setting goals, and keeping yourself productive.

Lastly, remember that while infatuation can be entertaining at times, it is inevitably fleeting and unsustainable.

You may get swept up in the vortex to the point that you can’t or won’t see who the person is. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Remember, keeping yourself safe from possible heartbreak is always better until you know it’ll work out.

If you’re still unsure what you’re feeling, some time away from the object of your affection can reveal what you need to know.

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News | LOVE VS. INFATUATION: TELLING THE DIFFERENCE

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These days, when divorce is commonplace and teenage pregnancy at an all-time high, people need tangible guidelines. Please reprint this column.

La Verne Metcalfe, Detroit

Dear La Verne: The essay you`ve asked me to rerun is one of the most frequently requested. I`m pleased to publish it again. Thanks for asking.

Is It Love or Infatuation?

Infatuation is instant desire-one set of glands calling to another.

Love is friendship that has caught fire. It takes root and grows, one day at a time.

Infatuation is marked by a feeling of insecurity. You are excited and eager but not genuinely happy. There are nagging doubts, unanswered questions, little bits and pieces about your beloved that you would just as soon not examine too closely. It might spoil the dream. Love is the quiet understanding and mature acceptance of imperfection. It is real. It gives you strength and grows beyond you-to bolster your beloved. You are warmed by his presence, even when he is away. Miles do not separate you. You want him near. But near or far, you know he is yours and you can wait.

Infatuation says, ”We must get married right away. I can`t risk losing him.” Love says, ”Be patient. He is yours. Plan your future with

confidence.”

Infatuation has an element of sexual excitement. Whenever you are in one another`s company, you are hoping it will end in intimacy. Love is the maturation of friendship. You must be friends before you can be lovers.

Infatuation lacks confidence. When he`s away, you wonder if he`s cheating. Sometimes you check. Love means trust. You are calm, secure and unthreatened. He feels your trust and it makes him even more trustworthy. Infatuation might lead you to do things you`ll regret later, but love never will.

Love lifts you up. It makes you look up. It makes you think up. It makes you a better person than you were before.

Dear Ann Landers: A while back you praised Canadians for being so honest. There are plenty of honest people in the United States, too. Here`s my story. Several years ago, my family and I were traveling through Minnesota. We stopped at a restaurant in a small town for breakfast. The waitress didn`t give us a check, so my brother asked her what we owed. She looked puzzled and asked, ”What did you have to eat?” The two of them figured out the cost.

As my brother turned away, he asked, ”Don`t you give customers a bill?” ”No,” she replied. ”Our prices are posted on the chalkboard up there and we figure our customers can add up their own bill.”

From that day on, my brother has said, ”I wish I`d been born and raised in Minnesota. Those people are the salt of the Earth.”

Margaret Berryman, N.Y.

Dear Margaret: That goes for the neighboring states, too-the country`s heartland. I`m proud to be a Midwesterner.

Gem of the Day: Anyone who believes that the competitive spirit in America is dead has never been in a supermarket when the cashier opens another checkout line.

———-

When planning a wedding, who pays for what? Who stands where? ”The Ann Landers Guide for Brides” has all the answers. Send a self-addressed, long, business-size envelope and a check or money order for $3.65 (this includes postage and handling) to: Brides, c/o Ann Landers, P.O. Box 11562, Chicago, Ill. 60611-0562. (In Canada, send $4.45.)

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Love and Infatuation: What Is the Difference?

You might not be aware, but love and infatuation have clear differences that extend beyond mere feelings and having healthy relationships.

While infatuation usually involves intense emotions and a strong pull towards someone. It can make your heart race and fill you with excitement quickly. Infatuation is often about the immediate physical attraction and the rush of feelings you get, but it might not last.

Love, on the other hand, offers a deeper emotional bond and a commitment for the long term. It grows over time, based on mutual respect, understanding, and shared experiences. It’s about being there for each other, even when things get tough.

Getting to know these differences is key in handling relationships and creating a more satisfying romantic life.

So, what distinguishes love from infatuation, and how can you spot the signs?

Understanding the difference can help you steer clear of potential heartache and invest your emotions wisely. It’s all about recognizing whether you’re in it for the thrill of the moment or if you’re ready to build something that stands the test of time.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Love is characterized by a strong emotional bond and long-term commitment, while infatuation involves intense emotions and a strong pull towards someone.
• Infatuation is often based on immediate physical attraction and intense feelings, whereas love grows over time through mutual respect, understanding, and shared experiences.
• Signs of infatuation include overly idealizing someone, physical reactions like sweaty palms, obsessive thoughts and actions, and neglecting other aspects of life.
• Love is characterized by a deep emotional connection, mutual admiration, the ability to compromise, and support each other’s growth and dreams, and a stable relationship that values partnership above all.

Understanding Love and Infatuation

To tell love and infatuation apart, it’s vital to grasp what sets them apart and the feelings they stir up.

Love is characterized by a strong connection, a comforting assurance, and a readiness to share values, goals, and dreams with your other half. It’s about choosing to explore new experiences together and accepting life’s realities, both the good and the bad.

Contrastingly, infatuation is all about an intense feeling of joy, unclear emotions, and strong desire. It often leads to telling friends you’re deeply in love and feeling fixated on the person . 

While infatuation might be the initial phase of love, transitioning to a deeper and lasting love demands slowing down, opening up about vulnerabilities, and moving past illusions.

Within a relationship, signs of infatuation include the rapid development of intense feelings and a desire to be together all the time.

Meanwhile, signs of love include feelings that grow over time and a sense of comfort and peace with the person.

It’s key to recognize that infatuation can skew our view, making everything seem ideal, while love accepts life’s full spectrum – the good, the bad, and the difficult.

In addition, grasping these differences is key to fostering a healthy, satisfying relationship. By understanding what defines both love and infatuation, you can manage your emotions and experiences with more insight and intention.

Signs of Infatuation

Understanding the signs of infatuation is key to navigating the complex waters of relationships . Especially when moving beyond the initial flood of intense emotions toward a deeper, more enduring connection. 

Recognizing these signs can help you avoid confusing infatuation with true love. Here are some indicators to watch for:

• Overly Idealizing Someone: When infatuated, you might find yourself proclaiming to everyone that you’re deeply in love, often putting the person on a pedestal while overlooking any potential warning signs.
•   Physical Reactions: Common signs of infatuation include sweaty palms, feeling nervous, and not being able to stop thinking about the person, indicating your body’s intense reaction to them.
•   Daydreams and Unrealistic Perceptions: Engaging in daydreams and holding an unrealistic view of the person, driven by strong physical attraction, are typical signs of infatuation. You catch yourself imagining a perfect, yet unlikely future together.
• Obsession with Looks: A hallmark of infatuation is an intense focus on the other person’s looks and outward behavior, leading to a shallow form of attraction. This often comes with a hesitance to show your flaws.
• Obsessive Thoughts and Actions: Infatuation can spiral into obsession, where you can’t stop thinking about the person. This might lead to trying to control situations to keep them close and neglecting other parts of your life. Focusing becomes difficult as your thoughts continually drift back to them.

 Recognizing these behaviors can steer you towards understanding the difference between infatuation and love, fostering healthier, more rewarding relationships.

Recognizing Infatuation’s Signs

Meanwhile, being overly focused on someone, to the point where you constantly think about them and overlook their flaws, can signify infatuation. It’s vital to recognize these signs to handle them wisely. Here are some indicators:

• Constantly thinking about the individual
• Putting the person on a pedestal while ignoring warning signs
• Feeling nervous or excited physically, like having a fluttery feeling in your stomach
• Paying too much attention to how the person looks or other surface-level traits
• Moving from a state of intense admiration to genuine love means taking things slower and distancing yourself from unreal expectations

Managing Love and Infatuation in Relationships

When handling strong, immediate attractions in relationships, it’s key to spot the characteristics of infatuation and understand how they differ from real love.

Open discussions with your partner about your emotions and worries are crucial for maintaining a balanced connection.

Developing emotional maturity through personal reflection and being mindful can assist in dealing with infatuation and maintaining a rewarding relationship.

Characteristics of Love

Recognizing the defining traits of love is crucial. Meanwhile, a true emotional bond and a dedication to each other over time are central elements of love. Grasping these aspects can help you tell the difference between love and mere attraction.

In understanding love, it’s vital to see it as a deep emotional connection and a lasting commitment. Therefore, this insight can assist in distinguishing love from mere infatuation.

 Love and Infatuation: Genuine Emotional Connection

In love, the essence of a true emotional connection lies in the continuous emotional bonds, mutual admiration, and a profound dedication to each other’s happiness and growth. 

Meanwhile, this real bond is about sharing vulnerabilities, engaging in deep discussions on values and aspirations, and experiencing a significant connection with your partner.

 To truly distinguish love from mere infatuation, pay attention to the following critical aspects of a real emotional connection:

•  Mutual admiration and the ability to compromise
• Supporting one another’s growth and dreams
• A stable relationship that values the partnership above all
• Shared visions and objectives for the future
• A robust physical and sexual connection, alongside showing love through touch

These aspects are the pillars of a true emotional connection in love, setting it apart from infatuation.

Long-Term Commitment

Creating a lasting bond in love requires unwavering commitment. As well as an ongoing effort to nurture the relationship’s health and growth. 

Unlike short-lived infatuation, true love is about sticking together through thick and thin. It demands patience, empathy, and the readiness to face challenges together over the long term.

While, building a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and shared goals is crucial for a deep, enduring commitment. It involves making the relationship a priority and continuously fostering its growth.

Emotional closeness, support for one another, and a strong emotional connection are key to a lasting commitment in love.

 It’s about supporting each other, facing hardships together, and constantly contributing to the flourishing of the relationship. In essence, a deep commitment is the foundation that strengthens the bond and keeps the connection alive.

Transition From Infatuation to Love

Transitioning from infatuation to love means evolving beyond initial excitement to form a deeper, more meaningful bond with your partner. Additionally, this shift involves growing together and accepting each other’s imperfections. Here are some critical steps to consider during this evolution:

• Self-Reflection: Spend time understanding your feelings and what drives them. Ask yourself if you’re genuinely ready to move from the rush of infatuation to the depth of love, or if you’re still caught up in seeking excitement.
•   Be Open and Genuine: Sharing your true self with your partner is crucial. Authenticity paves the way for a love that’s rooted in reality, not just an ideal.
•   Accept Imperfections: Recognize and accept your partner as they truly are, complete with their flaws. Love is about embracing the whole person, not just an idealized image.
• Communicate Clearly: Having open and honest discussions about your emotions, concerns, and aspirations for the relationship is vital as you move forward.
•   Prioritize and Compromise: Moving from infatuation to love means being ready to put your partner’s and the relationship’s needs above your desires. True love involves both compromise and sacrifice.

  As you make the shift from infatuation to love, understand that it’s a journey requiring patience, empathy, and a real desire for deep connection. 

By focusing on these steps, you can develop a love that’s deep, lasting, and enriching.

Cultivating Deeper Connections

To transition from infatuation to love, it’s crucial to cultivate deeper connections that go beyond surface-level attraction:

• Communication: Honest and open communication fosters understanding and strengthens emotional bonds. Being honest and open with your partner allows you to express your thoughts, feelings, and concerns effectively. By actively listening to each other and communicating openly, you can foster understanding and strengthen your emotional connection. Whether it’s discussing your day, addressing conflicts, or sharing your deepest desires, communication lays the groundwork for a strong and lasting bond.
• Shared Experiences: Creating meaningful memories together deepens your connection and builds a foundation for love. Whether it’s traveling to new places, trying new hobbies, or simply spending quality time together, these shared moments create a foundation for love to flourish. When you engage in activities that you both enjoy, you strengthen your bond and create a stronger sense of connection.
• Emotional Intimacy: Sharing fears, dreams, and vulnerabilities fosters intimacy and builds trust. By allowing yourself to be vulnerable and opening up to each other, you build trust and deepen your emotional connection. When you feel safe and supported in expressing your true self, you create a strong sense of intimacy that forms the basis of a loving relationship.

Longevity of Infatuation 

Moving beyond the initial thrill of infatuation, it’s useful to think about how long this phase might last in your relationship.

 Infatuation, often marked by a sudden rush of passion and a feeling of love at first sight, can be quite thrilling. This period may span from a few weeks to months, though it differs for every individual and relationship.

 In certain cases, the early excitement of infatuation can stretch for years. However, it’s better to aim to develop your relationship further rather than worrying about how long the infatuation lasts.

 Recognizing that there’s no universal timeline for the infatuation stage in relationships is key. It’s more beneficial to focus on the process of falling in love than to concentrate on how long infatuation lasts. 

Infatuation can evolve into love as you start accepting disappointments. Showing a readiness to contribute, and moving from focusing on your desires to making sacrifices and compromises for your partner.

While infatuation might occur instantly, moving toward deeper levels of love and commitment is far more significant for the lasting health of a relationship. 

It’s easy to mix up infatuation with love, but what’s truly vital is your ability to develop and deepen the relationship after the initial excitement of infatuation.

 By working on building a solid foundation for a meaningful, enduring connection, you can ensure that your relationship continues to flourish long after the initial rush has faded.

Love and Infatuation: Communicating Feelings Openly

Handling strong feelings in a relationship requires making a space where it’s safe to share emotions and confront any unrealistic hopes.

It’s crucial to talk about feelings openly to tell the difference between love and a brief crush. This means being honest and open, allowing yourself to share your feelings without worrying about being judged.

 When both people in the relationship can talk about their thoughts and feelings freely, it leads to a better understanding of what each person needs and wants.

Discussing emotions and desires openly is key to building a relationship that’s based on real love, not just a temporary crush. 

Listening carefully and showing understanding when talking about feelings helps create a close emotional connection and makes the relationship stronger.

Building Emotional Maturity

 Developing emotional maturity means understanding the distinction between infatuation and love, which is crucial for creating a fulfilling relationship. 

To cultivate emotional maturity when dealing with infatuation in relationships, keep these insights in mind:

• Emphasize clear communication, mutual respect, and deep commitment.
• Recognize that being addicted to love, having a fearful approach to attachment, and suffering from low self-esteem can obstruct the path from infatuation to love.
• Make real love, common values, and sharing new experiences a priority to maintain a healthy level of infatuation.
• Don’t underestimate the value of friendship within a romantic relationship, as it greatly contributes to loyalty, warmth, and mutual support.
• Be aware of how much our biology influences our feelings and how we experience love and infatuation.

  To grow emotionally mature, one must carefully and consciously work through the intricacies of love and infatuation with an understanding of oneself.

Commitment in Love and Infatuation

  In love, commitment signifies a profound, purposeful connection characterized by honest communication, respect, and loyalty, which nurtures a lasting bond and shared growth. It’s about being there and taking responsibility, especially during tough times. 

Being committed in love entails continuously working on the relationship, making sacrifices, and putting your partner’s happiness first. 

This kind of commitment stems from a strong emotional tie and a shared understanding of each other’s fundamental values and beliefs. It’s about facing challenges together and celebrating successes as a united front.

Conversely, commitment during infatuation might be more short-lived and based on immediate feelings. It usually centers on the excitement of something new and the intensity of initial emotions.

While infatuation can be overwhelmingly intense, it typically focuses on the here and now and the thrill of fresh encounters, rather than the future health of the relationship. 

Commitment at this stage may not have the necessary depth and endurance to overcome the complexities of a durable partnership.

Progressing from infatuation to love means moving from an intense, often idealized attraction to a more solid, genuine connection. 

This shift demands a deeper commitment to truly understand and connect with your partner on a significant level. It requires opening up, sharing hopes and fears, and being open to growing together.

 Genuine commitment to love involves a readiness to invest in the relationship over the long term, facing life’s challenges with steadfast support and commitment.

Grasping the distinction between love and infatuation is key to nurturing healthy and rewarding connections.

Infatuation thrives on intense, but often temporary emotions, whereas love grows from a foundation of deep emotional ties, shared respect, and a willingness to commit over the long haul.

By identifying the signs of infatuation and adopting the qualities of love, you can transform your relationship from a short-lived passion to a lasting and significant bond.

Frequently Asked Questions

 how do you tell the difference between love and infatuation.

Distinguishing between infatuation and love is a matter of emotional insight and taking your time. At the start of a relationship, infatuation can cause sharp, temporary feelings, whereas love develops gradually, forming a profound, enduring connection.

To understand the difference, it’s crucial to consider the subtle aspects of your emotions and watch how they change over time. It involves being truthful with yourself and your partner and accepting the process of finding out what real love means for you.

Is Infatuation Deeper Than Love?

 Infatuation isn’t deeper than love. While it can be intense, it doesn’t have the emotional depth and commitment that comes with love.

 The love feelings develop gradually, anchored in trust and vulnerability. It involves accepting each other’s imperfections and offering support.

Love fosters a deeper, more lasting bond than infatuation, which might initially appear overwhelming. 

It’s about creating something real and significant, not just temporary feelings of emotion.

 How Do You Know if It’s Love and Infatuation?

You can tell it’s infatuation when you feel an overwhelming rush of happiness and an all-consuming interest in someone. Your emotions are intense, but your clear thinking might be a bit unclear.

Take a moment to consider your feelings. Are they rooted in a real connection, or are they mostly about physical attraction? True love is about a deep emotional bond and making decisions with a clear head.

 Trust what you feel deep down and keep an eye out for signs of genuine affection, a readiness to meet in the middle, and a view towards a future together. These signs point to real love.

Do I Like Him or Is It Just Infatuation?

You might find yourself genuinely liking him if there’s a strong bond and you enjoy each other’s company. Being in tune with your feelings is crucial. If his presence brings you peace and happiness, then it’s likely more than just a fleeting attraction.

  Building a relationship requires honest communication and respecting each other. Love often grows gradually, founded on a solid friendship. Give yourself time and listen to your intuition to figure out if this is love or just a temporary fascination.

Additional Resources

• Infatuation Versus Love: How Different Are They?
• Infatuation vs. Love: How Can You Tell the Difference?
• Infatuation vs. Love: How To Tell If You’re Just Infatuated

Related Posts

Strengthening Emotional Intimacy in Marriage: Top 10 Tips

Supporting a Partner with Health Issues: Nurturing Love

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Infatuation vs Love : 5 Key Differences

Rachael Pace inspires with motivational articles on loving partnerships. She encourages making room for love and facing challenges together.

In This Article

Love and infatuation are intense emotions that a person feels for someone they fall for. However, most of the time, these feelings often get muddled for each other.

It can be challenging to explain the difference between infatuation and love especially when you are young, inexperienced in the romance and dating world and are impressionable.

How do you differentiate infatuation vs. love? Also, can infatuation turn into love?

While thinking of your romantic interest , you don’t really care whether it is love or infatuation, but it may be handy to know how to differentiate between the two. You might be surprised to know that there is a huge difference between the two. 

Let’s analyze the two in order to understand the difference between infatuation vs. love.

What is the definition of infatuation?

Most of the time, we get feelings for someone , but we ask ourselves, is it infatuation or love? Let’s dig deeper and understand how to differentiate the two.

First, what is infatuation and what does it feel like? 

You’ve just met someone, yet you feel that powerful attraction towards that person . You can’t stop thinking of this person that you start asking yourself, “Am I in love or infatuated?”

Infatuation is an intense feeling and fascination toward a person who you don’t know that well.

It’s strong and addicting. Just the thought of this person is enough for you to feel butterflies in your stomach.

Also, you would often daydream about this person. You can’t get enough of them and you would grab any chance to see them. 

If you feel this way, then you are infatuated meaning you have a crush.

Some people who are feeling an infatuation with someone may even choose to focus on the good things that this person has. Even though they see and recognize the red flags, they would choose to ignore them. 

10 signs of infatuation

Most of us have felt infatuation and have confused it with love. Let’s understand infatuation vs. love by tackling the 10 signs of infatuation.

Here, we’ll be able to see the similarities between love and infatuation.

1. You think about this person all the time

The moment you wake up, and before you sleep, you think about this person. You might even stalk their social media accounts. 

2. You have strong feelings yet you haven’t spent time with this person

It’s possible to be super infatuated with someone even if you have spent little time with them. You can’t even understand it, but you’re head-over-heels attracted to a person you just see in the hallway.

3. You see this person as “the one”

“What does infatuation feel like?” It feels like you’ve found the ‘one’ even though your feelings don’t have a deeper basis.

4. Your feelings are close to obsession

Have you ever felt like you’re addicted to love? That might not be love at all, but infatuation. 

5. All you think about is how you can impress this person

Here’s another infatuation vs. love sign. It’s infatuation if your goal is to get your special someone’s attention and impress this person.

6. The things you know about this person are based on his acquaintances or social media

How much do you know about this person? What if all you know about the person you adore is based on the information you get from his acquaintances or on his social media posts? 

7. Your judgment is clouded

People are asking you to get to know this person better. They want you to take time and think hard, but your judgment is clouded. This is a sign that you’re infatuated and not in love. 

8. You ignore red flags

You hear comments about this person’s not-so-good traits. Maybe you’ve even seen it yourself.

What if you started going out and you see those red flags? Infatuation can cause a person to ignore even the red flags they are seeing.

9. If your attention is reciprocated, you rush everything

Sometimes, relationship infatuation happens. It’s where your feelings get reciprocated and what happens next? Your fascination takes control of your emotions. 

You might constantly wish your relationship would move forward a.s.a.p.

10. Your attraction only focuses on appearance

Love vs. infatuation differs in how you see the person. With infatuation, most of the time, people are only focused on what they see, since they don’t know that person really well. 

Love, on the other hand sees more than that. True love is all about emotions, connection , understanding, and so much more. 

Infatuation vs. Love

Now that you have an idea about infatuation vs. love, how can we differentiate the two? When you have feelings for someone, the first thing that you want to ask yourself is, “Is it love or infatuation?”

Love is when you care incredibly deeply and strongly about someone else. You support and wish them well; you are willing to sacrifice whatever you hold deeply for their sake. 

Love entails trust, emotional connection, intimacy, loyalty, understanding, and forgiveness. However, love takes some time to develop, and it does not happen instantly.

When you love someone, you want to grow with this person. You want to fulfill your dreams together, and be each other’s support system. It’s unconditional and is the foundation of long lasting marriages. 

Infatuation

Infatuation is when you get swept off your feet and get lost and carried away by your romantic interest. The goosebumps you get every time you think or see the other person and how you smile when you are daydreaming about them is clear signs of infatuation in a guy or a girl. 

Infatuation vs. love is clear when you become completely obsessed with someone and cannot take them out of your mind; and when they do not feel the same way you want the worst to happen to them.

Love is never painful nor does it hurt the other person but obsession and infatuation do. Also, falling in love, at first sight, may sound romantic but is not actually true- this feeling again is infatuation. 

There is nothing wrong with infatuation as long as it is healthy; which in most cases develop into true and long-lasting love.

Comparison chart to explain Love vs Infatuation

Can infatuation turn into love.

Love and infatuation similarities may be visible, but once you truly understand their meaning and differences, then infatuation vs. love can easily be analyzed.

Now that you’re aware, you would want to know when does infatuation become love, or does it develop?

Infatuation may turn into love, but that doesn’t always happen.

Some people realize the difference between love and infatuation, while other people lose interest when their feelings are not reciprocated.

A person may truly understand that what they felt was not love at all.

The difference between love and infatuation will uncover itself through time. Though, this also works for those people where their infatuation blossoms into genuine love.

How long does infatuation last when you’re in a relationship?

One of the best feelings is when your affection is reciprocated. Being in a relationship with the person you adore is a dream come true.

But what if you realize that what you have been feeling is not love, but infatuation? Now that you know that not all infatuation leads to love, you’d want to know how long would this intense feeling last?

There’s no timeframe on how long should your feelings of infatuation would last. Though, the most distinct phase of infatuation is what we call the “honeymoon” phase .

This also differs in every situation. Some may last for a few weeks, and other, for a few years.

After realizing that what you are feeling is infatuation and thinking that it’s just temporary, it’s better to focus on what you could do about it. 

How can you get over infatuation?

Don’t get this wrong. There is absolutely nothing wrong with infatuation. It’s a normal feeling and could also turn into love.

Though, sometimes, a person may realize that their infatuation won’t go anywhere and would want to get over it.

Some people develop unhealthy habits that are no longer good for themselves and the person they like. This can cause problems, so deciding to move on may be their best option.

Whatever your reason, that’s also okay. There are some steps to take to get over an infatuation.

1. Avoid anything that reminds you of your infatuation

Infatuation can cause you to be too distracted, and this is not a good thing. Once you realize that you’re not in love, and then start by avoiding triggers.

Again, infatuation can be addicting and succumbing to this is unhealthy. Start by avoiding checking their social media profile, then if you have contact with each other, stop that too.

Gradually, you’ll learn to control and distance yourself .

2. List the unhealthy habits that you’ve develop

You know yourself better than anyone else. That means you are aware of the habits that you have developed throughout your infatuation

Did some of these habits affect your work, friendships, and even relationships?

If so, do yourself a favor and list all the unhealthy habits that you’ve developed. Use this list as a reminder of the things that changed, and what you want to gain in avoiding these habits.

When you’re tempted to try and snoop around the person you like, take a break and read the list.

3. Distract yourself

Of course, distancing yourself can be quite hard. Distract yourself by trying out new hobbies and learning how to focus on self-growth .

Again, learning how to control your emotions and habits will help you. But what if it’s too much? Is there anything you could do?

Still afraid of therapy? Try this introduction to self-growth and see how much it could do for you. 

4. Join support groups or therapy

Another option that will help and remind you about controlling your infatuation is to list all the bad habits that you’ve developed.

There are support groups that will help you through your journey. Don’t ever feel ashamed that you are asking for help. These trained professionals know how to help.

There is nothing wrong in choosing to get help in moving on from an unhealthy infatuation. 

5. Allow yourself to meet someone else

Don’t confine yourself with infatuation. There is more to life, and if you think you are being unfair to yourself and the people around you, don’t you think it’s time to move on? 

Most people will choose to close their doors. Don’t do that. Believe that you will meet someone who you will love, a person who will make you feel the difference between in love vs. infatuation.

In a nutshell

In summary, true love is a feeling of closeness between two people and is mutual. It gives and understands. 

Infatuation; on the other hand, produces a feeling of immense closeness, but these feelings are usually one-sided.

Even though pure and true love between two people can only develop in long term commitments and relationships, in rare cases infatuation can lead to such a strong connection.

Remember that there is nothing wrong with infatuation. In fact, it can inspire and give you happiness, as long as you know how to carry yourself. 

People may sometimes develop unhealthy habits. They can start obessive thoughts and lose their focus in life. In these rare cases, therapists are there to offer help. There are ways on how you can let go of infatuation.

Also know that infatuation can develop into true love. Who knows, it might happen to you. We do hope that all misconceptions you may have about infatuation vs. love are clear.

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Rachael Pace is a noted relationship writer associated with Marriage.com. She provides inspiration, support, and empowerment in the form of motivational articles and essays. Rachael enjoys studying the evolution of loving partnerships Read more and is passionate about writing on them. She believes that everyone should make room for love in their lives and encourages couples to work on overcoming their challenges together. Read less

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How to Know the Difference Between Love, Infatuation and Lust

Last Updated: May 10, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Nicole Moore . Nicole Moore is a Love and Relationship Coach and the Founder and CEO of Love Works Method, a private coaching and digital course service for women looking to find the right partner. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in body language and helping others take control of their dating life, attract a partner, and build a strong relationship. Nicole has been featured in numerous publications such as Cosmopolitan, Forbes, and USA Today. She also hosts Love Works with Nicole Moore, a podcast for modern women wanting love, dating, and relationship advice. Nicole holds a BA in Public Relations and Spanish from Syracuse University and a Certificate in Personal Coaching from New York University. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 4,092,551 times.

Whether you're in a relationship already or admiring someone from afar, sorting out your feelings for someone can be a real challenge. While there's no clear, foolproof way to make the distinction for someone else, you can at least make the distinction clearer for yourself. Follow these steps to know the difference between love, infatuation, and lust, and remember to be honest with yourself.

Recognizing True Love

Knowing if You're Infatuated

• Reader Poll: We asked 600 wikiHow readers how they would handle conflicts in their relationships, and 56% said they would work through it until they found a resolution. [Take Poll]

Realizing When You're Feeling Hot, Bothered and in Lust

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Expert Q&A

• If there's an argument between you and your partner, give each other some space and time to think afterwards, because if you ask questions in the heat of the moment, you'll most likely get answers you don't like (meaning your partner will say things they don't mean). [16] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• True love means having great feelings towards someone without sex involved although the two are not mutually exclusive. [17] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Know that there will be bumps in the road, but if you're truly in love, it won't matter, because you'll face them as a team. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• Friendship should also weigh into your decision to commit. In 50 years, if you don't genuinely like your mate, you're going to be miserable.
• Carefully study your compatibility before committing. You can still go to couples counseling before needing it to save time.

• Even if you think you love the other person, if that person doesn't return your feelings, don't waste time hoping that your love interest changes their mind. You'll have other opportunities to find someone who is ready to create a real and lasting partnership. Thanks Helpful 59 Not Helpful 9

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• ↑ Nicole Moore. Love & Relationship Coach. Expert Interview. 6 October 2021.
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/rediscovering-love/201210/when-your-partner-gives-more-you-can-return
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/thriving101/201102/brain-study-reveals-secrets-staying-madly-in-love
• ↑ https://www.today.com/health/how-long-does-passion-last-four-stages-love-t108471
• ↑ https://www.psychalive.org/true-love/
• ↑ https://lmcexperience.com/perspectives/2013/04/12/true-love-only-happens-once/
• ↑ http://www.diffen.com/difference/Infatuation_vs_Love
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/why-bad-looks-good/201712/the-surest-way-tell-partner-is-not-the-one
• ↑ https://www.relate.org.uk/relationship-help/help-relationships/arguing-and-conflict/can-you-be-too-close-your-partner
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/emotional-freedom/201108/lust-vs-love-do-you-know-the-difference
• ↑ http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2017/love-actually-science-behind-lust-attraction-companionship/
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fixing-families/201806/after-argument-the-right-way-make
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-teen-doctor/201411/can-there-be-love-without-sex

About This Article

When you have intense feelings about another person, it can be hard to tell what’s really going on in your heart. Stop and examine how you think about them. For instance, if you’re interested in who they are as a person, then you might be in love. But if you tend to focus completely on how attractive they are, it may just be lust. When you’re really in love, you tend to recognize and accept the other person’s flaws. However, if you’re infatuated, you might think of them as perfect or put them on a pedestal. Ask yourself how secure you feel in the relationship, too. Do you feel confident that you and your partner have each other’s backs? Do you want to stay committed to them for a long time? If so, then you might be in love. On the other hand, if the relationship feels exciting right now but you can’t really imagine a future with the other person, it might just be lust or infatuation. For more tips on telling these emotions apart, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Love vs. Infatuation: What’s the Difference?

You start seeing someone. 

You’re attracted to them. 

There’s a lot of chemistry!

Things are going great, but there’s a little piece of you inside that’s not sure if what you’re feeling is truly love or infatuation, and you find yourself asking what’s the difference. Is there a difference? You have to have an attraction in a love relationship, right? But if it’s only physical attraction, is it still love? 

There’s a big difference between love and infatuation , so it’s essential to find out if you are just infatuated with someone or love someone and the other way around. They are both intense, confusing emotions. 

Whether it is love or infatuation will profoundly affect whether or not you, or both of you, want to continue the relationship. As fun as infatuation can be, it can be extraordinarily short-lived and temporary, which is why you want to be aware that it might end earlier than you may expect. 

The Difference Between Love and Infatuation 

Okay, so we know we need to know the difference between love and infatuation . But what could they possibly be? Both feelings are intense and physical. There are many differences, such as love is self-sacrificing, and infatuation has ulterior motives.  Love is trustworthy and genuine, and infatuation is jealous and superficial. 

However, there’s no doubt that both can be fun!  

When you’re thinking of both, it’s difficult to clearly see what kind of relationship you are in when you are in the thick of it. There may be red flags that you should be aware of now. Whichever it may be, they are both magical and make us feel good. 

We at Lovebox have put together a guide for you to find out for yourself, whether love or infatuation. We want our advice and tips to prepare you for what is to come, whichever it may be. 

Ready to discover the difference between love and infatuation ? Let’s dive in!  

Love Is More Than Physical

True love, of course, is physical as well. But your partner, in a relationship involving true love , cares about your whole body and soul—mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Love is selfless and kind. There’s contentment and stability that come from more than a purely physical relationship. 

It is unconditional and does not expect anything in return. The critical difference between love and infatuation is that in love, your feelings of being attracted to your body will continue throughout the relationship. 

Infatuation Is Purely Physical

Consequently, with infatuation, the feelings of physical attractiveness and desire are fleeting. It will change with no notice or reason. Infatuation is pure physical passion. Therefore, you are sexually and physically attracted to each other. 

The feelings come on fast, and you feel empty unless you have constant reassurance and affirmations from that person. Your moods shift quickly and without explanation, but your physical passion for each other stays the same. It’s euphoric. 

Love Is Deep

There are many emotions associated with love. Sometimes it’s hard even to tell all of your feelings when you are genuinely in love. True love encourages intimacy and physical attractiveness. There’s a deep connection present that you frequently don’t even realize happened until it does. When true love is present, there is a deep feeling of understanding and acceptance of who you are and who they are. 

The intensity that is present in love is not present in infatuation (besides the physical aspect). Instead, love has strong feelings of compassion, concern, and connection. Remember, love is an action word. And in today’s world, actions that speak louder than words are more accurate than ever. 

If you are in a relationship with someone and can’t decide if it is love or infatuation, notice if the other person’s actions match their words. If they say they love you, but you feel anxious or concerned, then it may just be an infatuation. 

Infatuation Is Shallow 

Infatuation is shallow, but this is not to say that physical closeness and connectedness are as well. Infatuation is superficial because there is only physical chemistry and passion. Infatuation only shows the side of perfection. It isn’t about being there as you age or change over time or after you get grey hair and love handles. 

Infatuation only wants what it wants right here right now. Think of infatuation as a crush you had on the most popular person in high school that you didn’t even know. You didn’t know their personality or who they were away from the crowd. You only saw the illusion they wanted you to see of their perfect side.  Infatuation as an adult looks a lot like that. 

Love Is Secure

There is security in love. You know that no matter what happens, that person will love you and support you in life. You are secure in their love knowing you don’t need reassurance that they choose you every few minutes. 

You trust their judgment and their behavior. You both respect and trust each other. When it is true love, there is a mutual bond of contentment and energizing. 

Infatuation Is Insecure

With Infatuation, there is no security. You feel on edge and vulnerable. There’s no calmness or trust, only anxiety and confusion. Infatuation alone needs constant reassurance, and it's impatient. When you are infatuated with someone, it tends to be a quick, intense, overwhelming feeling that often leaves as quickly as it appeared. 

Love Is Long Lasting

Love takes time. Love is intentional. Love is long-term. 

If it is love, it’ll last through the ups and downs of life. Of course, nothing is predictable, but when it is love, not Infatuation, you know your partner has committed to loving you for years to come. They are passionate about you and you alone. 

They don’t need to keep catching a “high” because they have you in their life. You are both living in reality and see the truth in who each other is as a person. And you love each other, flaws and all. 

Infatuation Is Temporary

In contrast, Infatuation is temporary. It is frequently reckless and short-lived.  It is not living in reality but a superficial bubble of intense physical and sexual passion. 

You have hopes that it is love, but Infatuation doesn’t always turn into love. Infatuation is often living in a land of fantasy, and wishing things did turn into love even if you see red flags that they may not. But there’s always hope! 

Is Infatuation Real or Fake? 

Infatuation in and of itself is not real; however, Infatuation can turn into true love. Every relationship starts with an intense physical attraction. What happens next is what determines if it’s real love or Infatuation. As we mentioned, Infatuation is temporary (most of the time—we’ll get into that later), and love is long-lasting; however, you must still be infatuated with your partner over the long haul to some degree. 

You still want physical attraction and deep emotional connection to be present when you are in love, but you want it to be superficial or fleeting. You want your mutual physical attraction, heavy on the word mutual, to sustain you in good times and bad. Infatuation alone cannot stand a long-lasting, secure relationship. But with a healthy dose of Infatuation, while you’re in love, you’ll have a safe, healthy, loving relationship. 

You Can Have Both Love and Infatuation in a True Love Relationship? 

After everything we’ve said to explain the difference between love and Infatuation, we’re now saying you can have both in a healthy relationship.

Yes! It’s possible. 

First, when you are in a healthy, loving relationship, are you infatuated with each other. The difference is that it’s a healthy level of Infatuation. You are obsessed with each other in the sense that you deeply love and care for them and don’t want anyone to wrong them or hurt them. You love the way they look, and you’re still sexually and physically attracted to them. You constantly wish to level up your love and show them how much they mean to you. 

Second, there’s still a sense of euphoria and lust when you are in love. But, again, it is a healthy dose of euphoria and lust. You are safe and assured in their love for you and your body. Plus, if you both are still infatuated with each other, that is a good sign that it is a deep emotional bond that connects you two at this point. 

Finally, your thoughts, feelings, mood, and anxiety are also affected by love, just as they are affected by Infatuation. The difference? When it is true love, everything is calm. You feel secure in their love. You may still feel anxious and insecure sometimes, but overall, there is a healthy amount of emotional safety and security.

Can’t Decide if It’s Love or Infatuation? Ask Yourself These 5 Questions 

Okay, so you’ve read the difference between love and Infatuation. But each relationship is different, so you’re not sure if you’re feeling intense feelings of true love or temporary passionate feelings of Infatuation. It happens! 

Each relationship is unique, and each human being has their way of feeling and thinking. It can be a confusing and exhausting process. To help you decide, we’ve come up with five questions to ask yourself to determine if it’s love or Infatuation.

1. Is My Day-To-Day Mood Affected by My Relationship? 

If you find yourself unusually anxious or sad regularly, you may have symptoms of an unhealthy infatuation. Feelings of extreme mood changes can be a red flag that you don’t want to ignore. An excellent way to find out for yourself if you are in an unhealthy relationship with Infatuation is to notice how you act if you don’t get a call or text from this particular person promptly.

Do you experience feelings of anxiety or stress? Do you start feeling insecure or jealous? A definite red flag is if you don’t hear from them, you start checking their social media activity, such as their Instagram story or Snapchat story. 

In contrast, if you are in love (or in the infatuation stage headed toward true love), then you won’t feel anxiety or jealousy when you don’t hear from them. You just trust you are both adults with lives and responsibilities, and they will respond when they respond. 

2. Is It Only Physical Attraction?

We all know you must be physically attracted to each other before there’s any degree of love or Infatuation. We’ve all been there: heart pounding in your ears, hands sweaty and awkward, and cheeks flushing red. However, if there is only intense physical attraction, then that is a good sign that it is only Infatuation and isn’t or won’t move on to true love. 

To move on to true love, you must maintain physical attraction, but it is much more intense and steadier, more like a calming feeling in the middle of a chaotic world. You both love each other for precisely the way you look on your good days and bad. Your feelings of passion aren’t associated with short-lived superficial physical attractiveness. 

3. Are Your Feelings of Infatuation Mutual? 

If they are mutual, it is a good sign (although no guarantee) that your feelings of Infatuation can turn into love. On the other hand, if your feelings are not mutual, it can cause unnecessary jealousy, control, panic, and an unhealthy obsession with the other person.  

When experiencing extreme levels of passion and good feelings, it’s easy not to see critical red flags, such as the other person not exhibiting the same signs of mutual attraction and sexual desire. The best thing to do is address your feelings as soon as possible, so there’s no room for additional hurt or unnecessary feelings of anxiety. 

4. Is There an Unnecessary Amount of Drama and Confusion?

Does the other person constantly need to feel intense, passionate feelings? Do they need constant reassurance? Are there feelings of possessive anxiety? A yes to all these questions are all signs that your relationship is most likely Infatuation, not love, mainly if they try to use other forms of control and possession to manipulate your relationship. 

Feelings of intense passion can be confusing because you need a degree of both Infatuation and love; however, the determining factor is if the desire is associated with short-term feelings of pleasure but not deep emotional satisfaction. 

5. Have Your Friends and Family Mentioned You Haven’t Seemed Like Yourself?

Change can be good. Learning more about yourself and who you are is essential. But if your friends and family mention that you’ve been on edge or tense lately, it might be a good sign that you have an unhealthy infatuation with someone. 

Have you noticed your responsibilities or job tasks have been slipping lately? Have you been ignoring those important to you, such as your siblings, grandparents, or friends? It might be best to reevaluate who is in your life and if it’s best for you mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Communication Matters for Both Love and Infatuation 

Communication matters regardless of your status in a relationship. The better your communication, the less likely one or both of you will get hurt. Discuss your feelings and your concerns—another good way to navigate the emotional health of your relationship. You want to be open and honest now. If you decide it is for sure love, you also want to start expressing it more verbally!

Find ways to say I love you through text, FaceTime, or snail mail. One of the unique ways to say I love you is through our Lovebox-connected messaging system . It’s super simple and easy! First, send a message with drawings, stickers, love notes, and images. 

Then, the spinny heart on their box will spin to let them know they have a new message, and then after they read it, they can return a shower of hearts to your phone. Better yet, get two, so your loved ones can send you a love note in return! 

Love and infatuation are both accompanied by intense feelings, attraction, and emotions. However, there are many differences between the two, including love is more than physical, and infatuation is only physical. Love is deep, and infatuation is shallow. Love is secure, and infatuation is insecure. One of the most important things to remember is that love is long-lasting, and infatuation is temporary. 

If you’re still not sure whether or not it’s love or infatuation, we provided five questions to try and narrow it down. We know it’s not easy, especially when there’s a lot of attraction, but it’s important to find out now so if it’s temporary you’ll be sad that it’s over but thankful for the short time you had together. If you haven’t yet, ask yourself the five questions! 

5 Ways to Tell That It's Love and Not Just Infatuation | Psychology Today

30 Ways You Can Tell The Difference Between Love And Infatuation | Thought Catalog 

The Difference Between Love and Infatuation, According to an Expert | Men's Health

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Love, lust, and infatuation—what's the difference?

By Jay-Ann Claudine Gutierrez Published Feb 08, 2022 5:24 pm Updated Feb 01, 2024 3:08 pm

Love is as complicated as it gets for anyone, especially when the lines of your relationship often get blurred by a mix of spontaneous actions and unclear intentions. So, what are the fine lines between love, lust, and infatuation?

As it turns out, many people mistake either lust or infatuation for love. News flash, all these terms are entirely different things! At least that’s what we’ve learned from the Twitter Spaces session Let's Talk About Sex last Feb. 5, with speakers Dr. Rica Cruz, Ava Daza-Zanirato, and Inka Magnaye

Many people question whether their relationships, which have been quick to get intimate, are really what they are. Maybe it’s not love, but lust or infatuation? To help you answer this question, we’re breaking down the three concepts.

Lust is when… Dr. Cruz answered that lust is when you look at a person and become sexually attracted to them. You can refer to it as that initial “spark” that you feel when you see someone you like.

Neuroscientists , on the other hand, also refer to lust as the “sex drive,” which often leads to that desire for sexual gratification. It may often never require a want for securing a partner, but it may still coexist with that “craving.”

Both sexes are generally attracted to kindness, maturity, and intelligence.

Lust is driven by stimuli, which may differ from person to person. But in general, scientists have identified that feelings of lust are often different for males and females, where the former often have to be visually aroused, while the latter are typically stimulated by romantic words, images, and themes in the media and in stories they encounter.

Essentially, lust is what you would be feeling when you’re starting to hook up with someone, and Daza-Zanirato attested to this as she shared during the Twitter Spaces session her own story.

“I was gonna go to a yacht cruise and then they list down the names. I was creepy enough to look, and like, ‘Oh my God, this guy is hot.’ I told my best friend I’m gonna hook up with him. True enough, I did. I didn’t like him so much, it was kinda like we were different,” recalled Daza-Zanirato.

As in the case of Daza-Zanirato, lust also does not equate to liking specific aspects of the person aside from the apparent points of attraction, which leads us to infatuation.

Infatuation is when… Dr. Cruz defined infatuation as acting on those initial feelings of lust. You know when you’re infatuated when you create ways to start being intimate with the person, such as spending more time with them and getting to know them beyond the persona during the first interaction.

Infatuation can also be referred to as romantic attraction, and just like lust, it can also be triggered by different traits. Both sexes are generally attracted to kindness, maturity, and intelligence, among many other qualities. However, according to the same study , romantic attraction for males normally involve the physical appearance, while females are more inclined to be attracted to the social status of the person, and these are both more apparent for heterosexuals.

Dr. Helen Fisher and her team of scientists describe this phenomenon as “feelings of exhilaration, ‘intrusive thinking’ about the love object, and a craving for emotional union with a (potential) partner.

In other words, the person may often live in your head rent-free and you end up seeing the world through heart-shaped lenses. Infatuation allows you to get to know the different sides of the person you like, which means expanding your knowledge of the person, and it often leads to thinking that you love them.

Dr. Cruz said that infatuation may happen anytime around two weeks to two years within the relationship timeline, and each moment that you spend with the person may often feed into your idea that they are perfect. This is what she calls “pseudo-intimacy.”

But wait, if you’re getting to know the person even more, why would it be called a “pseudo” type of intimacy? Now, we’ll get into the real intimacy: love.

Love is when… You might have known by now that lust and infatuation are all entirely different things, but here, love is the umbrella where both are considered as processes under it.

If infatuation is expanding your understanding of the person, love means getting deeper to the core of your significant other. And when you get to the core of that person, things may never seem perfect anymore and you might even feel like hating the person.

True intimacy entails you to accept whatever it is that you do not like about that person and to accept that this person is not perfect for you anymore, but you still want to be with this person.

But Dr. Cruz said that knowing their quirks and your differences from each other at this point should give you a clearer answer as to whether or not you want to commit to the person. And if your answer is a resounding ‘yes,’ then congratulations, you know – and feel – what real love is!

“True intimacy entails you to accept whatever it is that you do not like about that person and to accept that this person is not perfect for you anymore, but you still want to be with this person,” the sex therapist said.

For Daza-Zanirato, it was a steady evolution of feelings where you take it one step after another, as what she had experienced with her husband. And maybe many of you feel that this process makes finding the right person slow, but Magnaye gave an assurance that this is an integral part of building a relationship with your significant other – one that lasts beyond the stages of lust and infatuation.

“I think that’s one of the [reasons] why it’s so important to really, really take your time. As in, like, just take your time getting to know somebody. Ako, personally, that’s how I like to operate. And constantly reminding myself that I should not fall in love with the idea that I have of this person, with the potential that I see in this person. Rather, what they’re showing me right now. Because what you see is what you’re going to get, more often than not. I learned that if you hold on to this idea of what you see in a person, then that’s the one that’s gonna break your heart,” Magnaye shared.

Then again, there are relationships where one person feels like they’ve unlocked true love with their partner but it still hasn’t been made clear between the both of them – or what host Drew O’Bannon calls a “situationship,” where it seems like you’re still in the talking stage. 

When you’re stuck in that relationship limbo, Dr. Cruz suggested that it’s best to talk it out. If both parties sweep it under the rug, it will only leave more questions on everything that goes on in your relationship. 

Dr. Cruz said: “It’s better if you’re on the same page, so you’ll be able to move forward without hurting anyone. Like your boundaries are clear, your desires are clear, and you’re both mature about it.”

In the end, whether it’s lust, infatuation, or true love, communicating with your partner will always help you get to that vision for your relationship. 

TAGS: sex Inka Magnaye Dr. Rica Cruz #LetsTalkAboutSex

Critical Financial

17 Differences Between Loving Someone and Actually Being In Love

Posted: May 15, 2024 | Last updated: May 15, 2024

While all relationships are completely valid, it can be tricky to fully understand the connection you’ve built with others. To help you delve into your relationship, we’ve compiled a list of 17 ways to tell whether you simply love someone as a person or whether you’re actually in love with them.

Attraction vs. Deep Connection

Attraction is an important component in any romantic relationship, but a deep connection is essential for long-term love. According to Better Help , an intense rush of attraction is often the start of a relationship, but “it may not be accurate to describe it as actual love until you’ve formed a deeper connection and meaningful relationship, evolving beyond sexual attraction.”

Infatuation vs. Commitment

Infatuation is an intense and sometimes overwhelming feeling that can be easily mistaken for love. Instead of this strong emotional feeling, look for stability and commitment. Both partners should want to build together, strengthening as a couple through the challenges they face.

Desire to Impress vs. Acceptance

While the early stages of a relationship may see you working hard to impress your partner, in the long term, it is essential that you both become comfortable with your vulnerabilities. Psych Central says, “Vulnerability fosters closeness, trust, and intimacy because it tells the person you’re with that you trust them.”

Passion vs. Partnership

The romantic and physical parts of a relationship can be fun and a great way to build a loving connection, but a well-balanced relationship will also focus on emotional support, consistency, and shared goals. A solid relationship is a shared journey rather than an exciting adventure, and it doesn’t fluctuate or fade as passion might.

Jealousy vs. Trust

As the foundation of any long-lasting and respectful relationship, trust should be mutually felt between partners. When partners are jealous, it can demonstrate a lack of confidence in the relationship and can stem from possessiveness, which may cause issues as the partnership develops.

Dependency vs. Support

For any long-term relationship, both partners must find their happiness within themselves rather than relying on each other entirely. Healthline says, “It’s normal to look to partners for emotional support and guidance, especially in a long-term relationship. Emotional dependence, however, passes the point of support.”

Idealization vs. Realism

Everyone has their flaws and issues, and a good partnership will recognize and accept these. Idealization in a relationship is where partners see each other through rose-tinted glasses, ignoring or glazing over the individual’s problems. This can lead to strain in the relationship down the line when the couple faces these issues together.

Short-Term Happiness vs. Long-Term Fulfillment

Successful long-term relationships need to ensure both partners are fulfilled and excited about their futures together. It’s less about seeking immediate gratification from short-term plans and activities and more about focusing on growing together. Long-term love may mean you make sacrifices along the way, but you’ll be rewarded with contentment in your relationship.

Ownership vs. Partnership

Although you’re building a partnership together, it’s important in a loving relationship that both partners acknowledge and celebrate each other as individuals rather than just one half of the couple. This comes from building respect and treating your partner as an equal who you share a life with, rather than a possession that you ‘have.’

Constant Validation vs. Inherent Confidence

True love builds a sense of security and confidence in both partners, so the need for validation and reassurance decreases. Choosing Therapy gives examples of unhealthy validation seeking, such as constantly asking if a partner is upset, threatening to leave the relationship in order to test your partner, and persistently asking what a partner finds attractive about you.

Emotional Highs vs. Emotional Stability

Getting to know one another can be exciting, and the passion and challenges you experience along the way can feel like a rollercoaster of emotions. Beyond these initial stages, it’s important to relish in the calmness of mature love and understand that stability and contentment don’t mean a lack of excitement.

Fear of Loss vs. Security

Secure and loving relationships should foster a sense of security within both partners and build a foundation of trust even when the couple faces challenges, either individually or in their partnership. According to VeryWell Mind , “a fear of abandonment is a complex phenomenon that can stem from a variety of developmental experiences, including loss and trauma.”

Self-Focused vs. Mutual Growth

When you are building a loving foundation for a relationship, it is really important to focus on your personal needs and goals. Long-term relationships, however, will also prioritize growing together to reach shared goals and ideals.

Novelty vs. Comfort

A new relationship feels exciting and fun, but to develop this into a deep, long-term connection, it is important to find happiness in the warmth that familiarity brings. The comfort and routine of a loving relationship can be fulfilling, and you’ll also be able to find joy in shared history and inside jokes as your relationship builds.

Arguments as Deal-Breakers vs. Opportunities for Growth

In any relationship, there will be disagreements, but the key to a truly loving partnership is seeing these arguments as a chance to understand one another better and learn from conflicts to strengthen your relationship. This comes from prioritizing communication and compromise as well as working to not see disagreements as a threat to your partnership.

Loving the Idea vs. Loving the Person

This one can be tough, but sometimes in a new relationship, you’ll find yourself more in love with the idea of your partner, or the idea of having a partner, than you will with the partner themselves. Although a fairy-tale love story can seem exciting, true love goes beyond this, and it’s important not to project these desires onto a partner rather than accept them for who they truly are.

Surface-Level Communication vs. Deep Conversations

Of course, there will always be small talk in any relationship, but those truly loving partnerships will allow you to explore deep and profound topics together. This can help to foster a stronger bond and better understanding between you and allow for vulnerability and honesty, which are important parts of developing your connection.

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17 American Attractions That Not Even Americans Want to Visit

The United States of America—land of the free, home of the brave, and the location of some of the most ‘unique’ tourist attractions you’ll ever lay eyes on.

Get ready to chuckle, scratch your head, and maybe even facepalm as we look at 17 American attractions that not even Americans think are worth visiting.

17 Fairy Tales That Are Now Considered Racist

While fairy tales weave magical narratives that span generations, many emerge from historical and cultural contexts tinged with biases. Hiding in many of these tales, racial undertones can be found. Let’s look at 17 fairy tales that have deeper implications.

18 Common Traits Found in Adults Who Had Unhappy Childhoods

Being a parent is a hard job, so even those who are truly trying their best will often miss the mark on creating the best environment for their children. Unfortunately, this means that many of us grow up with far-from-perfect childhoods that affect us into adulthood. Here are 18 common traits found in adults who had unhappy childhoods.

18 Things Old People Just Can’t Get On Board with Today

Over the past few decades, society has evolved, and with it, so have a few things that older generations find it uncomfortable to get the hang of. While younger generations are easily able to adapt to these changes, some of which are drastic, others may be struggling slightly. Here are 18 things the elderly may have difficulty learning.

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