Photo: ph.galtri

How long does infatuation last?

between 18 months and three years “Usually, infatuation lasts for between 18 months and three years,” says Mundin. “Unless a long-distance relationship is involved or an extremely insecure individual is fascinated, infatuation rarely lasts longer.” The remnants of infatuation may help strengthen a relationship, however, according to Lee.

psychcentral.com - Infatuation vs. Love: How to Tell the Difference - Psych Central

Can the IRS go after a closed estate?

If a deceased person owes taxes in any years prior to his or her death, the IRS may pursue the collection of these taxes from the estate. According...

Last updated Dec 28, 2022

When should you not give up on a relationship?

"If you feel like your person still brings out the best in you even during tough times — if you find yourself apologizing when you're wrong, trying...

Last updated Dec 21, 2020

Promotion

Love also looks to celebrate differences and build a connection that allows both people to thrive as individuals. It may require intentional work and effort from each partner to come together in disagreement to work toward a mutual goal. Love is a choice . Love, on the other hand, may be less oblivious to another person’s shortcomings or incompatibilities. It exists despite those. Infatuation is also a deep sense of connection, mainly based on the idealization of someone else. It can feel intense, passionate, and beyond reason. Many may refer to it as love at first sight . Being swept off your feet or “head over heels” for someone new — despite not knowing them very well — is often referred to as infatuation. Ignoring relationship red flags and fantasizing about the perfect life with someone you just met may be signs of infatuation versus love. The difference between infatuation versus love is often one of assumption versus reality. “With infatuation, there’s usually a connection; you usually have at least one thing in common, but the high it creates for someone is based usually on a fantasy that we have created about the person, an idealized version of them,” explains Sarah Moore, a licensed professional counselor from Arlington, Virginia.

Here are other differences between love and infatuation:

Perfection vs. individuality

Infatuation can lead you to see someone as flawless or ideal, despite evidence of differences, says Dr. Dug Y. Lee, a board certified couple and family psychologist and professor from Bellevue, Washington. Love, on the other hand, has identified and acknowledged differences as individuality, accepting the partner as a whole. Lee explains infatuation might make you put a positive spin on undesirable characteristics instead of accepting them, for example, whereas love will be empathetic, kind, and looking to problem solve challenges without denial they exist. In extreme situations, infatuation may lure you into an abusive relationship by blinding you to important red flags.

Craving vs. satisfaction

Moore says the feelings that come along with infatuation are often similar to a “high,” including:

heightened arousal

excessive laughter

anticipation

longing

This could lead you to engage in behaviors that may not be safe for you or others. Love can also involve feelings of excitement about being with the other person; however, love typically allows for you to feel content in your relationship, free of constant craving for that other person or the anxiety that it may cause you the uncertainty of their feelings.

Assumptions vs. intimacy

“On a truly personal level, you don’t know the individual all that well,” Dr. Joann Mundin, a board certified psychiatrist from Sacramento, explains of infatuation. “Most of what you know about the individual is superficial, either on their looks or how they behave in a group.” Love involves a sense of real intimacy; knowing things about your partner other people aren’t privy to, witnessing vulnerability and emotional need, and being trusted with potentially hurtful information.

Planning the future vs. future planning

Mundin adds it’s also common for people experiencing infatuation to fantasize about the ideal future they may or could have with the other person. These fantasies may involve vacations they’ll go on, children they’ll have, or achievements they’ll receive — all without input from the other person. Infatuation may even lead you to believe the other person is in love with you, without this being the case. Love may take a more practical approach to the future. Couples in love often discuss career, marriage, and children goals together after feelings and the relationship have proven stable.

How do you know he's a player?

A Player – A guy, a man, that is seeing multiple people (with or without you knowing about it) that doesn't have consideration towards your...

Last updated Sep 12, 2018

Is limerence unhealthy?

Signs of Unhealthy Obsession Being in a state of limerence means you have an unhealthy obsession with another person. Not only that, but you...

Last updated Jul 11, 2020

Promotion

How soon do men know they love you?

Men take an average of 88 days (about three months) to tell their partner they love them, whereas women take an average of 134 days (four and a half months), according to a 2013 survey conducted by YouGov and eHarmony.

mindbodygreen.com - How Long Does It Take To Fall In Love? What Research & Experts Say

One 2017 survey found 72% of men and 61% of women believe in love at first sight, and a 2004 study found about a third of Americans say they've personally experienced it. There's some science that backs up the concept: Some research suggests people decide within seconds whether they're romantically interested in someone, and neurologically speaking, it takes only one-fifth of a second for the neurochemical reaction associated with feelings of love to fire off. But other research discounts the theory. A 2017 study in the Personal Relationships journal orchestrated a bunch of first encounters between single strangers, and the researchers found feelings of instant attraction can indeed happen in a first encounter. Some people described these feelings as "love at first sight"—however, these people didn't report feelings of intimacy, passion, and commitment as part of their experience. The main predictor of a "love at first sight" experience was finding the other person physically attractive. In other words, romantic love usually cannot happen at first sight, psychologist and sex therapist Lauren Fogel Mersy, PsyD, explains to mbg. "There can be a strong attraction at first sight, but romantic love for someone requires knowing who they are, the fullness of their character."

What is considered innocent flirting?

“We all know someone who is friendly, easily talks to anyone, and has a way of leaving an interaction with the other person feeling extra good...

Last updated Oct 11, 2018

Which king married his own daughter?

Shah Jahan was so infamous for his sexuality, that many historians blame him for having a sexual relationship with his real daughter Jahanara....

Last updated Aug 23, 2019

Promotion

What will the Medicare Part B deductible be in 2023?

$226 for 2023 Medicare Part B deductible After your deductible is met, it's typical to pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for these services....

Last updated Apr 6, 2018

Promotion

What is the meaning 137?

But 137?" The number 137, according to Lederman, "shows up naked all over the place", meaning that scientists on any planet in the universe using...

Last updated Aug 6, 2022