In life, there are moments when you meet someone for the very first time, and all of a sudden, your heart begins to skip beats, your palms turn sweaty, and your stomach starts to flutter. These feelings are indescribable; you find yourself lost in their eyes, giggling at their jokes and feeling a sense of euphoria wash over you when they are around. These feelings can be described as infatuation, a strong feeling of admiration or attraction to someone, which commonly happens in the early stages of a relationship. In this beginner’s guide, we will be discussing what infatuation feels like, the signs of infatuation and how to differentiate it from love, if you have ever wondered if that special feeling you get around your crush is infatuation, keep reading!
What is Infatuation?
Infatuation is an intense feeling of admiration or attraction for someone, it is a feeling that can consume and overwhelm you, leaving you with a strong desire to be near that person at all times. Infatuation often occurs in the beginning stages of a relationship, a period commonly referred to as the “honeymoon phase” where everything about the person you are attracted to seems perfect.
What are the signs of Infatuation?
1. Obsessive Thoughts
When you are infatuated with someone, you will find your thoughts constantly drifting to them; you think about them when you wake up in the morning, during the day and even before you go to bed at night. Your mind becomes consumed with thoughts, dreams and fantasies about them.
2. Strong Physical Attraction
Physical attraction is a significant sign of infatuation, you may find yourself feeling drawn to your crush’s physical appearance or their personality. You might feel a strong pull towards them when you see them, unable to resist the urge to be near them, hold their hand or touch them.
3. Jealousy
Jealousy is a common emotion when you are infatuated with someone. You might become protective of your crush and feel jealous of their attention towards others or their relationships with others. You may find yourself getting upset when your crush talks to someone else, and jealousy may lead to possessiveness.
4. Excitement
When you are infatuated with someone, everything about them becomes exciting. Every touch, every conversation, every time you see them, it feels like an adventure. You might feel an adrenaline rush every time you are around them, and this excitement can leave you wanting more.
5. Fear of Rejection
When you are infatuated with someone, the fear of rejection can be overwhelming. You might find yourself afraid to share your feelings with your crush or express your thoughts for fear of being turned down. The thought of your crush not reciprocating your feelings can leave you feeling anxious and disappointed.
How to differentiate Infatuation from Love?
It can be easy to confuse infatuation for love, but there are distinguishing factors between the two. Love is a long-lasting, deep, and meaningful connection between two people, while infatuation is an initial feeling of attraction that may or may not lead to love.
1. Time
Love takes time to develop and grow. It involves getting to know someone over time, accepting their flaws, and embracing their strengths. Infatuation, on the other hand, can happen quickly and without a solid foundation.
2. Objectivity
Love involves seeing someone objectively, including their strengths and weaknesses, while infatuation often involves seeing someone only for their positive qualities, and ignoring their negative traits.
3. Longevity
Love lasts longer and involves a deeper emotional connection while infatuation can fizzle out quickly after the initial attraction phase is over.
4. Commitment
Love involves commitment, while infatuation might not necessarily require any commitment. Infatuation can be one-sided or fade over time, while love is a two-way street that requires effort and commitment.
How to handle Infatuation?
Infatuation can be overwhelming, and it can be challenging to handle alone. It is important to recognize these feelings and address them in a healthy and constructive way. Below are some tips on how to handle infatuation:
1. Take a step back
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by infatuation, take a step back and evaluate your emotions. Take a break from seeing the person you are infatuated with and focus on other interests/hobbies that you enjoy.
2. Manage Your Expectations
Infatuation can lead to unrealistic expectations about a person that might not be based on who they genuinely are. Try to avoid projecting an ideal version of your crush and stay grounded in reality when evaluating your connection with them.
3. Seek Support
Reach out to a friend or family member and talk about your feelings. They can provide you with essential emotional support and help you gain a different perspective on the situation.
4. Focus on Self Improvement
Work on self-improvement, try something new and build your self-confidence. This process will help you recognize your worth and prepare you for a potential romantic relationship in the future.
The Conclusion:
Infatuation is a powerful and often indescribable feeling of attraction towards someone that can be intense and overwhelming. It is important to realize the difference between infatuation and love and to handle infatuation in a healthy and constructive way. Recognizing and managing these feelings can help build self-confidence and create a healthy foundation for future relationships.
Common Questions
- Q: How long does infatuation last?
- A: Infatuation could last a few months to a year in some cases. It often lasts for as long as the honeymoon phase of a relationship, before the strong feelings of attraction begin to fade.
- Q: Can Infatuation turn into Love?
- A: Yes, Infatuation can turn into a more profound and long-lasting love when there is mutual interest between both parties involved.
- Q: Are Obsessive Thoughts a normal part of Infatuation?
- A: It is common for people to have obsessive thoughts or constant daydreams about the person they are infatuated with.
References:
1. Fisher, Helen (2004). Why We Love: The Nature and Chemistry of Romantic Love. Henry Holt and Company.
2. Hatfield, E., & Rapson, R. L. (1993). Love, sex and intimacy: Their psychology, biology, and history. New York: HarperCollins.