We might toss and turn in bed at night as they take up space in our minds, rent-free.
We feel sick to our stomachs every time we’re on our way to see them.
Their kisses send us swooning.
Brandon Colbert Photography / Getty Images
But is it love or just infatuation?
What Are the Differences Between Infatuation and Love?
So, how do you know if itsreal love or short-lived passion?
There are a number of clues.
When youre enthralled by romance andthe fantasyof who this person is, youre infatuated.
Infatuation is marked byeuphoria, irrational feelings,lust, and shallowness.
Some people claim theyrelovesickand their heart races one minute, then theyre down and depressed the next.
But when youre in love, you are seeing life through a different lens.
There’s a calm knowing and a bond.
If youve cultivated a healthy attachment, then youre truly in the love state.
Interestingly, those in love often also have a wonderful friendship.
What Are the Signs of Infatuation vs. Love?
If you want to distinguish between both emotional states, heres a good place to start.
Infatuation can be the first stage of love.
That doesnt mean everyone, however, needs to experience theadrenalinerush of infatuationbefore progressing to love.
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.
When you dont know a person yet, youve embarked on an exhilarating adventure.
Love can become addictive in the same way that drugs are addictive.
Love addiction, which isnt really about true love, is a dysfunctional modality.
Participants completed an online survey including the Love Addiction Inventory-Short form, Relationship Questionnaire, andRosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.
Results showed significant and positive associations between fearful adult attachment and love addiction.
These relationships were also completely mediated byself-esteem.
Youll need to be open, to share vulnerabilities and weaknesses and let go of the fantasies.
That doesnt mean you cant stay infatuated with your partner, too.
you’ve got the option to still spice your relationship up and keep it exciting.
Explorephysical and non-physical ways to increase sexual intimacy.
Focus your time onsexual chemistry, role-playing and fantasy.
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.
2023;13(2):247.
Published 2023 Jan 29. doi:10.3390/jpm13020247
