One day you notice butterflies in your stomach and you realize you’re catching feelings for them.
The feelings grow stronger and you finally work up the courage to tell them.
This is just one scenario in which unrequited love can occur.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Here are our tips and insights.
Unrequited love involves having strong romantic feelings toward another person who does not feel the same way.
It is aone-sided experiencethat can leave people with feelings of pain, grief, and shame.
You’re Always The One Reaching Out
Are you the only person making effort to communicate?
Research has shown that people who reject other people’s affections often experience guilt.
The love interest is perceived as near perfect and any imperfections are easily explained away.
There are rarely healthy boundaries set in unrequited love.
Each party can see and hear each other and their areas of vulnerability.
There is not a mutual, healthy acknowledgment of each other in unrequited love.
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They Never Take Time to Get to Know You
Getting to know another person takes time.
In an unrequited love dynamic, there is emotional investment on only one side.
Sometimes, you might love that person because you’ve idealized them in your mind.
For some people, it might be a case of simply wanting someone they know they can’t have.
The fact that there can never be a genuine connection is part of the appeal.
Negative Impact of Unrequited Love
Unrequited love can be a source of stress and emotional turmoil.
Although unrequited love can feel extremely painful, it can offer an opportunity to grow in unexpected ways.
Taking time to grieve your loss is important.
Spend time with friends who can offer support.
Attachment stylecan influence how you develop and maintain adult romantic relationships.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Rejecting another person isn’t easy, especially if you know how deeply they will be hurt.
However, it is important to be clear to avoid future complications.
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Leonti M, Casu L.Ethnopharmacology of love.Front Pharmacol.
