Get to know your feelings: infatuation VS love
Ever wondered what is the exact difference between infatuation and love? If so, this short explanation post is for you.
The feeling of infatuation is a subconscious projection of our full image of an ideal partner on a person who gives us the impression that he/she has some of the ideal characteristics. Thus, it is an illusion that infatuation is our relationship towards another person; infatuation is really a relationship between our own ego and our image of an ideal partner. This brings us to the fact that infatuation has a structure of a neurotic disorder; a mature person doesn't become infatuated.
On the other hand, love is not just a feeling, it is a relationship of closeness based on repeating feelings towards a real, unique, complete person. Telling someone "I love you" is like saying "you are a wonderful, precious human being to me". Therefore, if we feel loved, we feel that someone recognizes and confirms our value as a complete being. The expression of love is, in this sense, the most pleasant outside confirmation of our value that we can get.
Please let me know:
- Do you agree that infatuation is an irrational feeling?
- Have you every truly loved someone in a romantic way?
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Have a wonderful day, week, and life!
Infatuation is for me the first very tiny step towards love. It is irrational but out of it can grow what we call love. You would never give someone a chance if you don't feel attracted to this person. After the so called honeymoon phase, when the infatuation become less, will be shown if the couple will stay together and if the love which grew is strong enough.
Love is the conscious decision to accept a person with all his mistakes and weaknesses.
I agree with you that love often develops from infatuation. I also believe that we can be highly attracted by a person and enjoy spending time and having contact with him/her even if we are not infatuated. I like your definition of love, thank you! : )
I think that infatuation comes with modern western concept of a fairy-tale romance. And I also think that it is the healthiest way to feel so good and excited like on drugs :D!
Probably the fairy-tale romance concept does boost infatuation in a way.
But I would not limit it to the west; sure, Disney was the master of this, but today, for example, Japanese movies and animated movies are quite romantic and nostalgic in an idealistic way, I would say much more than the western ones.
I'm not an expert on the topic on drugs, but I'll trust you on your word. :D
Yes you are totally right.
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